Tooth Extractions – Agawam, MA

Dr. Michitti and his team at Lifetime Dental of Agawam want you to maintain your natural, healthy smile for as long as possible. However, not all desires go as planned, and when a tooth becomes severely decayed or damaged, sometimes the only option is to remove it. Tooth extractions are never the “go-to” solution for Dr. Michitti, but he can safely and effectively perform these procedures when it’s absolutely necessary. If you’re unsure whether a tooth that’s been bothering you needs removal, contact our office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Michitti.

Why Do I Need an Extraction?

There are several reasons that can signal the need for a tooth extraction but only an experienced dental professional can ultimately decide whether it is a worthy procedure. Dr. Michitti and his team will always look to other potential solutions in an effort to save your natural tooth; however, if any of the following reasons are present and there are no other viable solutions, a tooth extraction might just be the only option:

• Crowded Teeth: When teeth push through the gum line and into an area with very little space, this can cause your teeth to shift and become overcrowded. Many patients turn to orthodontics for help in this area, but before braces can be put on, it might be necessary for us to extract one or multiple teeth to allow for successful orthodontic treatment.
• Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease): When gum disease is left untreated and allowed to escalate to the stage of advanced periodontitis, you will begin to notice the jawbone and teeth becoming loose. A tooth extraction will be necessary at this point.
• Severe Dental Infection: When an infection reaches the innermost layer of your tooth, a root canal is often the most effective treatment to save your tooth from extraction. Unfortunately, if the infection is too severe, we will need to remove the tooth to save your oral health.

Why Are Some Extractions More Difficult?

When Dr. Michitti examines your tooth, he will need to determine how the tooth will best be removed. Typically, there are two types of extraction procedures: simple and surgical. A simple procedure is performed when the tooth is fully visible above the gum line and can be removed without making incisions. This is the most common type of extraction.

However, if you require a more complex (surgical) procedure, it is because the tooth has either broken off near the gum line or is impacted, which means it has yet to erupt through the gums. This is a much more difficult process, as it can sometimes require an oral surgeon to perform the surgery and can result in more extensive recovery time.  

What is the Procedure Like?

When you arrive for your appointment, Dr. Michitti will ensure you are comfortable by numbing the area around your tooth, keeping you pain-free throughout the procedure. Depending on which type of surgery you’ll be having, our team will extract your tooth one of two ways:

• Simple extraction: Using special dental instruments, Dr. Michitti will start by loosening the tooth before gently moving the tooth back and forth until it detaches.
• Surgical (complex) extraction: Our team will make a small incision in the gum line to expose the tooth. If necessary, some of the bone around the tooth may be removed in order to extract the tooth in pieces to make the process easier.

No matter what type of extraction you have, Dr. Michitti takes extra care to reduce your chances of developing an infection or dry socket after the procedure, but you will need to follow some suggested tips to ensure your recovery period is successful:

• Continue to bite down on the gauze provided to encourage a blood clot to form.
• Take any prescribed antibiotics or pain medication as instructed.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Eat solid foods for the first few days after your procedure.
• Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with the removed tooth.
• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Maintain a good oral hygiene routine.

How to Replace a Missing Tooth

Once your tooth is extracted and you’ve had ample time to heal, the next discussion will be how to replace it. Missing teeth can cause the bone to deteriorate, teeth to shift, and changes in your facial appearance. In order to prevent these from happening, there are several ways you can replace a missing tooth, including:

• Dental implant – Using a titanium post that mimics your natural tooth root, the implant stimulates your jawbone to prevent deterioration or weakening. The top of the implant includes a custom-made dental restoration that will be matched to blend in with the rest of your smile.
• Dental bridge – If you are missing a few consecutive teeth, we can use your natural teeth as anchors to hold your dental bridge in place. Fusing multiple dental crowns together, the two outer crowns will fit snugly over your natural teeth while the one in the middle will sit on top of the gums to cover the vacated socket.
• Dentures – Individuals who are missing some or all of their teeth can find a solution with traditional dentures and partials, which replicate the look of your smile.