Our
Services
At Birk Family Dentistry, we strive to ensure our valued patients maintain their natural teeth for a lifetime. We work hard to repair damaged teeth, restoring their health and function. However, extracting a tooth is sometimes our only option when a tooth is beyond restoration. You can rest assured that your comfort and well-being are always our topmost priorities. Experience the warmth of small-town-inspired dentistry right here in the heart of Phoenix.
When Is Tooth Extraction Necessary?
Dr. Birk offers tooth extractions as a last resort to relieve pain and prevent complications. The following are some reasons extracting a tooth may be necessary:
- Extensive Damage or Decay: When a tooth suffers severe decay or trauma, the damage is sometimes beyond repair, necessitating extraction. To address the gap, we may recommend a dental bridge, partial denture, or dental implant to preserve the alignment of your teeth and bite and prevent complications.
- Tooth Fractures: Cracks or fractures can develop due to various reasons, such as bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching), biting down on hard foods or objects, or wear and tear over time. If a fracture is extensive, especially if it runs vertically down the tooth, it often becomes irreparable, requiring extraction to avoid further complications.
- Advanced Periodontal Disease: Periodontal (gum) disease is a serious progressive condition that, without treatment and management, can damage the bone and tissues that hold the teeth in place. A loose tooth that's lost its support may be impossible to save, leaving extraction as the only viable option.
- Risk of Infection: In some cases, a severe tooth infection that can't be saved with root canal therapy might require extraction. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other areas of the mouth or even your body, causing serious health complications.
What Should You Expect?
You may require a simple or surgical extraction, depending on your unique needs. A simple extraction is indicated for removing an easily accessible tooth. A surgical extraction, on the other hand, is a more involved process needed to remove an impacted, fragile, or broken tooth. Dr. Birk will administer a local anesthetic for your comfort and is happy to discuss our sedation dentistry options, if needed, to help you relax in the dentist's chair.
After extracting a tooth, we may recommend a ridge or socket preservation to stabilize the bone, preventing the bone loss that usually follows an extraction. The procedure helps preserve the ridge, ensuring the successful placement of future implants, partial dentures, or bridges. Dr. Birk will discuss your tooth replacement options, depending on your unique needs, to prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of alignment.
How Can You Promote Healing After Extraction?
After tooth extraction, a blood clot will form in the socket. Make sure to avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, forceful rinsing, or brushing around the extraction site for at least 24 hours so you don't accidentally dislodge the forming clot. Dislodging a blood clot can cause the development of a painful complication known as dry socket. Contact our office immediately if you have increased pain or bleeding at the extraction site.
How Can You Prevent the Need for Tooth Extraction?
Prevention is the best way to keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime. We recommend maintaining meticulous oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing, to lower the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Avoid biting down on hard foods or candies so you don't accidentally chip or fracture a tooth. It's also important to keep up with routine dental exams and cleanings. Dr. Birk will address any issue as it develops, maintaining your healthy smile. Our team is happy to offer oral hygiene tips and guidance to keep your teeth and gums healthy and sound.
Tooth Replacements Near Me in Phoenix, AZ
If you have a damaged or painful tooth, contact Birk Family Dentistry to schedule a consultation. We will do everything we can to repair and restore the affected tooth. If, however, a tooth needs extraction, we will ensure you are as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Dr. Birk and her team are committed to treating every patient like family, providing cutting-edge care with a compassionate touch.
Call 480-565-7473 to book your appointment or schedule one online today!
Ready
For Your Appointment?
Ready to experience the Birk Family Dentistry difference? We look forward to welcoming you into our family and providing you with the exceptional care you deserve!