31
Aug
A dentist in Alpharetta, GA describes the purpose of treatments such as tooth extraction
There are times when a patient may need to have a tooth extracted. Our dentist in Alpharetta, GA, Dr. Bradley Hepler, understands how nerve-wracking it can be to be faced with the loss of a natural tooth. He works with patients to help them understand the purpose of tooth extraction as a treatment for several different concerns and welcomes patients in the community to visit his practice and speak to him about how the process works.
Tooth extraction purposes
There are a variety of reasons a patient may visit a dentist to have a tooth extracted.
A tooth may be pulled because it:
- Is misaligned and is creating issues with the bite
- Is causing overcrowding and needs to be addressed
- Has significant decay that is affecting the overall strength of the tooth
- Is injured and is no longer functional
- Has been affected by the later stages of periodontal disease and is poorly supported by the bone
- Has infected dental pulp
- Has had a root canal treatment that has been unsuccessful
- Is impacted inside the gums and is stuck behind other natural teeth
- Will not come out on its own (specifically for “baby teeth”)
As you can see, patients may seek treatment for the removal of a tooth for many different reasons, and many patients understand how common the service is.
Evaluating the smile
Before having any teeth removed, it is best to have an evaluation completed by a competent and experienced dentist. Dr. Bradley Hepler of Atlanta Center for Dental Health is a dentist with years of experience. He can assess the smile and decide when tooth removal is necessary. In some situations, he may be able to avoid removal, depending on the problem that exists. He evaluates patients and may take x-rays to check the overall health of the smile and the tooth in question and can make appropriate recommendations to patients. Avoiding extraction is always the goal, but there are times when there is no alternative option available.
Types of tooth extraction
When it comes to extracting a tooth, there are two primary methods of extraction – surgical extraction and simple extraction. When patients think of the removal of their wisdom teeth due to impaction, this is an example of surgical extraction. The dentist must cut into the gum tissue to access the tooth that is stuck in the bone and remove it. This is far more invasive than a simple extraction, which is when a tooth has already erupted through the gums and is easy to wedge out from the jaw. Simple extractions are far less troublesome for patients and are done quickly and easily in the dental office with local anesthetics. A surgical extraction is more invasive, and patients will benefit from proper sedation and anesthetics for this procedure.
Tooth replacement
Sometimes, when teeth are removed, they need to be replaced. This is done in a variety of ways by the team of the Atlanta Center for Dental Health. Tooth replacement options may include dental implants, partial dentures, full dentures, and dental bridges. Each replacement solution has its own benefits, so when faced with the need to replace a tooth that is being extracted, patients should have their smile thoroughly evaluated by Dr. Bradley Hepler, so he can make some recommendations as to how the area can be repaired. In many cases, when a tooth is extracted, the replacement can be done at the same time. This may be extremely beneficial in situations when a dental implant is being placed, as patients can avoid two oral surgeries.
Book a visit with Alpharetta, GA dentist
Dr. Bradley Hepler and his team at Atlanta Center for Dental Health provide tooth extraction services as a treatment for a variety of conditions and welcomes patients in and around the area to discuss this and other services. If you are interested in consulting with our team, we welcome you to book an appointment at our practice. We are conveniently located at 11190 Haynes Bridge Road and can be reached by phone to schedule a visit at (866) 687-1992.
Dr. Bradley R. Hepler
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Dr. Bradley R. Hepler, founder of the Atlanta Center for Dental Health, is a distinguished dentist with over 20 years of experience. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry and completed advanced training in comprehensive dentistry in San Diego, obtaining certification in Advanced Education in General Dentistry. A dedicated member of multiple professional organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Hepler is also a founding member of the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health and a certified Fastbraces and Invisalign provider. His commitment to ongoing education ensures top-notch care for his patients.
