What are the signs of dental infection prior to teeth extraction in the San Mateo area?

Teeth Extraction dental San Mateo

When oral infection or disease occurs, dental professionals in the San Mateo, CA area such as Dr. Shivani Gupta of Peninsula Dental Implant Center may suggest extracting the tooth. Knowing the signs of infection and understanding when the extraction is necessary is important to patients who visit our practice for assistance in bringing the smile back to health.

What is an infection of the tooth?

Infection of the tooth is often caused by large cavities or trauma to the tooth that results in an infection of the dental pulp in the center of the tooth. The dental pulp is tissues housed inside of the canals of the tooth that contains the nerves and blood supply. When this tissue becomes infected, patients will often experience a toothache that can become extremely painful. During an evaluation by Dr. Shivani Gupta, patients may be told their infection has become large enough to require treatment. The most common sign of infection is a toothache, which can be evaluated by our team and assessed to determine the cause.

What treatment is required for infection of the tooth?

The first line of defense when infection occurs to the dental pulp is a procedure called endodontic therapy. Also known as a “root canal,” this procedure removes the dental pulp and fills the canals with a material called gutta-percha. This material seals the tooth and keeps problems from reoccurring. However, if the root canal procedure fails to save the tooth, extraction may be necessary.

What happens during the extraction process?

There are two types of extractions that can be performed at our practice, including:

  • Simple extraction
  • Surgical extraction

A simple extraction is the removal of a tooth that has already erupted through the gum line. This accessible tooth is easily wedged out of the bone and removed quickly in the office under proper anesthetics and sedation. Surgical extraction, on the other hand, requires the dentist to access the tooth from underneath the gum line. This is commonly done for the wisdom teeth which become impacted in many cases. This is a little more invasive and requires longer healing time due to the stitches and the way it affects the soft tissues in the area.

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Who is a candidate for extraction?

There are many reasons other than infection of the dental pulp that can make extraction necessary. A tooth may become impacted underneath the gum tissue, broken, or diseased to the point where it cannot be saved and needs to be removed by the dentist. Our professionals can evaluate the teeth and gums and determine the best course of action based on their specific needs.

What happens after tooth extraction?

If a tooth has been extracted because of disease, infection, or breakage, patients are urged to speak to their dentist about replacement options. At Peninsula Dental Implant Center, we strongly encourage patients to consider dental implants whenever possible. Implants are titanium posts that are surgically implanted into the bone of the jaw and restored on top with a crown or other restoration to reestablish the function and appearance of the smile. Patients considering dental implants need to have sufficient bone structure for this procedure to be successful. Patients can also ask about alternative solutions including dental bridges and dentures. These are also available in our practice and can be used to replace one or more teeth, depending on the situation. Many of these options may be cost-effective for our patients, especially if they have dental insurance that provides partial or full coverage.

Book an appointment with our team of professionals in the San Mateo area today!

Call (650) 232-7650 to schedule a visit with Dr. Shivani Gupta and her team of professionals to learn about the advantages of treating the smile before problems arise and extraction is needed. Our practice is accepting new patients who are ready to achieve beautiful, healthy smiles for life! Visit our practice at 1201 St. Francis Way in San Carlos, California.

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