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Huntington Office
Beginning your orthodontic journey can be daunting, but Shiney Smiles Orthodontics is here to make the process as simple as possible. Did you know some patients may need a tooth extraction before undergoing orthodontic treatment? Our team has put together this short guide to the basics of the procedure, why one may need an extraction, and alternatives to this procedure.
Exploring Orthodontic Care Options
You may have friends or family who have undergone orthodontic treatment and achieved brand-new smiles. You can do so, too, with Shiney Smiles Orthodontics and the help of our incredible team. Dr. Sheinis, our incredible orthodontist, specializes in the alignment of the teeth and jaw, helping patients work through common complications such as protruding teeth, crowding, malocclusion, and bite issues.
From tried-and-true treatments like metal braces to the latest orthodontic technology like clear aligners and InBrace hidden braces, our office is proud to offer a range of options for our patients to fit various lifestyles and dental needs. We recommend your first appointment at age seven, when your jawbones are still malleable and your teeth are still growing.
What to Expect From a Tooth Extraction
How the Procedure Works
How we extract a tooth depends on its condition during your appointment. You can expect a simple procedure if it just needs to be removed to create space. We will use a pair of forceps to shift the tooth back and forth until it loosens and eventually dislodges.
On the other hand, if you have an unhealthy tooth that needs to be removed to preserve the rest of your teeth, the procedure will require the help of an oral surgeon. They must cut back part of your gums to securely reach for your whole tooth. This will require stitches to help your gums properly heal and will extend your recovery.
Is It Painful?
Luckily, we prevent you from feeling any pain from the procedure with the help of a numbing agent or anesthetic. Doing so ensures you don’t feel anything around the tooth, including the gum and jawbone area. We understand some patients are nervous about the process, but our team assures you we do everything to keep you as comfortable as possible.
Post-Procedure Care
Following the first day after your procedure, you will experience bleeding from the extraction site. Our team will provide you with gauze to bite down on during this time. Continue to do so until the bleeding has just about stopped after forming a blood clot. The faster the bleeding stops, the more efficient your healing process will be. Information on how to provide care over the following days and weeks will be provided to you after the procedure. If you have any questions about these instructions, please contact our office.
Are There Alternatives to Explore?
Tooth extraction is not always necessary for braces treatment. Sometimes, there are alternatives to the procedure, depending on your age and the condition of your teeth. If removing a tooth may cause more harm than good, we can consider using a palatal expander. This metal appliance is placed inside your mouth on the upper jaw to slowly widen the area and act as a first step to assist crowded teeth into their proper positions.
Although this device is usually used for younger patients, as their bones are still malleable to pressure, there may be other available treatment options for us to consider for your case. Dr. Sheinis will happily see you for a free consultation to learn more about your teeth and how we can help you!
Why You May Need Tooth Extraction
Crowding
If your teeth do not have enough space to move into their proper positions, they may begin crowding. This is the most common reason for tooth extraction. They can overlap each other and angle your teeth out of place, thus affecting the others. Extras may need to be removed for the rest to grow appropriately.
Damaged or Unhealthy Teeth
Should a tooth suffer trauma or be unhealthy, it may need to be removed if it is unsalvagable. Dr. Sheinis will likely suggest removing it before braces treatment as an unhealthy tooth can interrupt movement induced by your braces appliance, thus prolonging proper alignment.
Fixing Bite Complications
The placement of your teeth affects the positioning of your jaw, and if there is not enough space for your teeth to grow into, you could develop an over or underbite. Removing one or two of them can help negate the need for jaw surgery or other invasive procedures that affect alignment later in life.
Similarly, protruding teeth can alter the appearance of your lips. Removing specific teeth from the side of your mouth can provide the necessary space for others to grow into their space correctly. This way, Dr. Sheinis can assist in reaching an ideal position.
How Long Until You Can Begin Wearing Braces?
The time you will need to wait before your braces procedure will be contingent upon the kind of tooth or teeth we extracted from your mouth. If it was a healthy tooth only removed for space, you can expect a full recovery within the next two weeks.
However, if it was a more complicated extraction with an oral surgeon, it is crucial we wait closer to a month before beginning braces so we ensure your stitches are entirely healed. Dr. Sheinis will happily answer specific questions about your healing process and when it is the proper time to begin braces treatment afterward.
Call Our Offices Today to Begin!
If you need a tooth extracted or would like guidance on the next steps in your orthodontic journey, the Shiney Smiles Orthodontics team has got you covered! We are proud to serve Huntington, Woodbury, and the surrounding areas with our expert services. Schedule your free consultation with Dr. Sheinis today, and we can begin treatment!