Tooth Extractions

A tooth that is severely damaged may need to be removed. Our doctors can make this assessment and they routinely perform tooth extractions. A local anesthetic is given to numb the area where the tooth will be removed. Our doctors can perform simple extractions, surgical extractions, root extractions, tissue extractions, boney extractions, impacted extractions, and wisdom teeth extractions. Nitrous and Minimal Sedation are also an option available for tooth extractions.

After the tooth is removed, it can be replaced with a dental implant, partial, or a bridge. All types of extractions should always be comfortable. You will feel pressure during the procedure, but you should not experience discomfort. Our doctors will monitor your comfort and take the time to help you become profoundly numb before your extractions.

Oral Surgery

Our General Dentists perform oral surgery when necessary.  There are many dental procedures that are a type of Oral Surgery.  Some of these include:  teeth extractions, wisdom teeth extractions, implants, biopsies, and bone grafting.  One way Dentistry With TLC has improved Oral Surgery is by combining it with Laser Dentistry.  With Laser Dentistry the doctors are able to limit discomfort and eliminate the need for sutures in some cases.

Wisdom Teeth Extractions

By the age of eighteen, the average adult has 32 teeth; 16 teeth on the top and 16 teeth on the bottom. Each tooth in the mouth has a specific name and function. The teeth in the front of the mouth (incisors, canine and premolar teeth) are ideal for grasping and biting food into smaller pieces. The back teeth or molar teeth are used to grind food up into a consistency suitable for swallowing.

The average mouth is made to hold only 28 teeth. It can be painful when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that holds only 28 teeth. These four other teeth are your Third Molars, also known as "wisdom teeth."

Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth. When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to erupt successfully.

These poorly positioned impacted teeth may eventually cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the tooth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection. The result: swelling, stiffness, pain, bone loss around the healthy teeth and illness. The pressure from the erupting wisdom tooth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom tooth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. Extracting the offending impacted wisdom tooth or teeth usually resolves these problems. Extracting wisdom teeth early is recommended to avoid such future problems and to decrease the surgical risk involved with the procedure.

Wisdom Teeth Consultation

With an oral examination and panoramic x-rays of the mouth, our doctors can evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth. Dr. Smith can also extract your wisdom teeth if needed.

Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry is safe and effective.  Our laser allows Dr. Smith to perform dental procedures faster and more comfortably than traditional surgical methods.  For example, Dr. Smith uses the dental laser instead of a scalpel for surgical procedures.  The dental laser causes minimal to no bleeding and minimal to no swelling.

Our hygienists use the laser to treat stubborn gum disease and help your gums and teeth become healthier.  Laser gum treatments are comfortable and usually eliminate the need for gum surgery.

What does this mean for you, the patient?  You can expect to recover faster and have less discomfort than if our doctors had performed your surgery with a scalpel.  Dr. Smith routinely uses the dental laser during wisdom teeth extractions, surgical extractions, gum surgeries, dental implant surgeries and crown preparations.

Our doctors also use the laser to heal and permanently eliminate cold sores, sooth sore spots, sterilize infections, remove overgrown gums and many other things.  Laser dentistry is just one more way our doctors provide tender loving care.

Alpha Stim Relaxation Technology

Alpha Stim Relaxation Technology is a great technology used to treat anxiety and stress during dental work.  The brain operates using different types of brain waves.  With Alpha Stim Relaxation Technology very small and comfortable clips are placed on each of your ear lobes.  Then the Alpha Stim conductor increases the amount of alpha waves in the brain.  Alpha waves are the brain waves responsible for helping people feel calm and relaxed.  This technology has been used by doctors for years to help overcome severe anxiety and even depression.  It can be used alone, or at the same time as Nitrous Oxide to help patients feel as relaxed as possible during dental treatment.

Nitrous

Nitrous Oxide or what is more commonly known as laughing gas is used to help calm nervous dental patients so they can comfortably receive the oral care and dental treatment they need without undue stress from their anxiety.

Nitrous is commonly used for all types of treatment ranging from dental implants, dental extractions, root canals, and even regular cleanings.  Nitrous Oxide was discovered in 1772, and is simply a gas that is inhaled.  It has no smell or color.

"You may enter fearful, but you will leave feeling loved. The courtesy, thoughtfulness, and compassion of the staff and Dr. Smith is beyond belief. There is a sweet spirit in the office that brings comfort and a feeling of peace. I would definitely recommend this office to everyone, especially to those who experience uneasy feelings about visiting a dentist. You may enterfearful, but you will leave feeling loved. All fear disappears as soon as you encounter the wonderful staff at Dentistry With TLC! I am so grateful to Dr. Smith for her kind heart. She made me feel special and truly listened to my concerns. It is a blessing to have a dentist who really cares about ME.”

Judy G.

Godfrey, Illinois