Tooth Extraction Archives - 5 Star Dental Group

Why Is My Tooth Extraction Site Still Sensitive to Warm and Hot Foods?

Posted on November 25, 2024 by AllSmiles.

It’s been so challenging to enjoy eating. An oral surgeon removed a lower right wisdom tooth two weeks ago. The extraction site looks okay, but the tooth is so sensitive to warm or hot food. How long will this last? The surgeon didn’t say I should expect the sensation for weeks. Thanks. Deon from MS

Deon,

It’s common for an extraction site, particularly after wisdom tooth removal, to experience discomfort after physical activity. However, sensitivity to heat is a different concern.

After an extraction, the adjacent tooth may become sensitive to cold or air due to root exposure. While mild cold sensitivity is usually not a significant issue, heat sensitivity can indicate a more serious problem within the tooth. It’s advisable to have this checked by a dental professional.

When a tooth becomes irritated, it may initially exhibit sensitivity to cold. If the irritation persists and the pulp tissue dies, it can lead to heat sensitivity. Dying pulp releases gases that expand when exposed to heat. These gases are confined within the tooth and cause pain.

Contact the oral surgeon or your dentist if the sensitivity persists.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post. Read about the ways they strive to provide some of the best dental care in San Antonio.

Should I Decline Wisdom Tooth Removal If the Roots Are Deep?

Posted on September 15, 2024 by AllSmiles.

All three of my remaining wisdom teeth are impacted. The roots of my lower left wisdom tooth are past the nerve. The oral surgeon gave me the options of removing the tooth but leaving the roots, waiting until the tooth becomes uncomfortable, or removing the tooth. – Thanks. Millie

Millie,

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause significant dental problems if left untreated. Having them removed while you’re younger is generally recommended, as the procedure becomes more complex and carries higher risks with age.

The Risks of Delaying Wisdom Teeth Removal

As you get older, your jawbone becomes denser, and the roots of your wisdom teeth may thicken. This makes extraction more challenging and increases the likelihood of complications. Additionally, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to infections, cysts, and other dental issues.

Considering Root Retention

Sometimes, a dentist or surgeon can leave a small portion of the wisdom tooth root behind. However, your oral surgeon should decide if that’s best for your long-term oral health. The surgeon can assess the situation and determine if partial root retention is viable.

Taking Proactive Steps

Addressing your impacted wisdom teeth now can avoid potential complications and maintain your oral health. It’s often easier and safer to have the procedure done on your terms rather than waiting for an emergency to arise.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post. Read how they strive to provide patients with some of the best dental care in San Antonio.

Why Can’t I Get a Root Canal Instead of an Extraction?

Posted on June 26, 2024 by AllSmiles.

Half my tooth broke off in a crown I got 20 years ago. My dentist said the tooth was infected, and there was a pus sac at the base of the tooth. My dentist says he needs to extract the tooth. Why won’t root canal treatment work? Thanks. Dylan from SD

Dylan.

Five-step diagram of root canal treatment: accessing tooth, from removing the infection to filling and sealing the tooth

Root canal treatment removes tooth infection

Your dentist may be right, but some dentists are eager to extract teeth unnecessarily. Your dentist should have explained why root canal treatment wouldn’t work. So, you can ask or dentist or get a second opinion from another dentist to see if the tooth is savable.

When Might Tooth Extraction Be Necessary?

Tooth extraction may be necessary when the tooth is so decayed that insufficient structure is left to restore it. Perhaps a tooth has been missing for so long that the teeth on either side have drifted into the space, and there isn’t room to restore the tooth.

Saving and restoring teeth is hard work; sometimes, a dentist may fail. Look for a dentist with experience in root canal training or find an endodontist (root canal specialist) or a prosthodontist (tooth restoration and replacement specialist) to determine whether your tooth is savable and what treatment is required to do it. Otherwise, you may get a recommendation for an extraction and dental implant.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post.

Must a Surgeon Remove a Tooth Root Fragment Broke During an Extraction?

Posted on April 11, 2024 by AllSmiles.

My dentist had trouble extracting my top left first molar, so part of the root broke. She referred me to an oral surgeon, and I am scheduled to remove the rest of the root in late June. Is this necessary, or can I leave the root fragment as is? Will it hurt anything? Thanks. Korey

Korey,

If a tooth isn’t easy to remove, a tooth root may break during an extraction. Your dentist realized she left the root fragment and responsibly referred you to an oral surgeon. Hopefully, in the future, your dentist will anticipate the challenges for an extraction patient and determine when it’s best to refer them to an oral surgeon for tooth removal.

If a root fragment is too long, bone can grow around it, making it more challenging to remove. Follow-up care should be in a few days.

The roots of the upper first molars are close to the sinus wall and can perforate the wall. The surgery requires adeptness to avoid additional complications. Allowing extended healing will increase the risk of perforation.

We recommend getting a second opinion from another oral surgeon about the timing of the root fragment removal. Another oral surgeon may recommend leaving a small fragment that’s close to the sinus wall. Otherwise, they will likely remove it as quickly as possible.

If you are considering a dental implant to replace your first molar, discuss it with the oral surgeon to determine whether you need bone grafting first.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post. Read how they strive to provide patients with some of the best dental care in San Antonio.