Dr. Gary Horblitt is a respected dentist and prosthodontist in Fairfield, and he has significant experience in difficult tooth extractions and complex cases. If your general dentist has advised you to seek a specialist for a dental extraction, you may have questions or concerns. Rest assured, you’re in the right place.
In today’s blog, we’ll explain the why, what, and how regarding complex extractions.
However, if you already know you need an extraction or would like to talk with Dr. Horblitt about your diagnosis, give us a call at 203-335-1011 to schedule an appointment. We’re open 8 to 5, Monday through Friday. If you prefer, send us a message through the contact form on our website.
Now, let’s learn about extractions!
Why would someone need a dental extraction?
Teeth are strong, durable tools we use to bite, chew, speak, and smile. In some situations, a tooth may need removal, also known as a dental extraction.
For instance, when a tooth develops severe decay or breakage, is irreparably damaged or diseased, or poses a risk for infection, it may need extraction.
Also, gum disease can weaken the connective tissues between teeth and gums, allowing a tooth to loosen in its socket. In some cases, in addition to periodontal therapy, dental extraction is necessary to restore good oral health.
Another example is when orthodontists must extract teeth due to overcrowding, in preparation for braces.
Similarly, prosthodontists often need to extract teeth before placing implants or dentures.
And lastly, wisdom teeth, or third molars, often become impacted, which means unable to erupt through the gums. Impacted teeth can cause pain and negatively affect a person’s bite, which we call occlusion in the dental world. Thus, extraction is advised.
What makes a tooth extraction complex or difficult?
Many factors influence why a tooth extraction is considered difficult, including but not limited to:
- Impaction
- Position
- Tooth shape
- Jawbone density
- Nearness to nerves
- Nearness to the sinus cavity
- Brittle teeth
- Infection
- Swelling
- Root count
- Certain medical conditions
How does Dr. Horblitt keep patients comfortable during difficult tooth extractions?
We use cone beam technology in our Fairfield dentist’s office. It will provide Dr. Horblitt with a 3D image of your teeth, including structures below the gum line and in the jawbone. This, in combination with Dr. Horblitt’s education, experience, and training, gives him confidence when performing difficult tooth extractions. You can feel confident in his abilities, too!
In addition to local anesthetic, we offer nitrous oxide (also known as NO2 or laughing gas). Inhaled through a mask, NO2 makes the patient feel relaxed, even giddy. Some people fall asleep. Nitrous oxide is great because you’ll still be able to respond to questions and instructions during the procedure. The effects will wear off as soon as we stop administering the gas. Patients can drive or return to work following the appointment, unless Dr. Horblitt advises otherwise.
After your procedure, we will provide recovery instructions and tips to make healing as fast and comfortable as possible. Questions are always welcome! And if you have concerns after surgery, Dr. Horblitt will be only a phone call away.
Schedule Your Appointment with Dr. Horblitt Today!
Whether your general dentist referred you to a prosthodontist for a difficult tooth extraction or you would like a second opinion about your diagnosis, call us today at 203-335-1011. Dr. Horblitt is a general dentist and prosthodontist, and we are accepting new patients in our Fairfield office.
