Surgery


 

Tooth extractions, bone grafting

 

 

 

Not all teeth can be saved by modern dentistry. Sometimes we must remove a tooth or teeth with a process called an “extraction.” If decay has consumed the entire tooth or a tooth is loose due to gum disease, it may be better to remove it.

After a tooth is extracted several effects may follow:

  • The bone surrounding the tooth may recede, making the hole appear larger than it was immediately after the extraction.
  • The surrounding teeth may tilt or drift into the vacant space.
  • The tooth opposing will “supra-erupt,” meaning it will appear to grow in length.

These events may result in an uneven and painful bite. So, we recommend replacing teeth before the above problems occur.

Prior to extracting a tooth, we work with patients to determine how to replace the tooth. This is also helpful in determining if a bone graft is beneficial to build up the bone in the area. Bone grafting material acts like a scaffold, and mineralized bone will eventually fill around the graft material.

When patients visit Dr. Vessel’s office for an extraction, we concentrate on making them comfortable, both physically and mentally, as to avoid nervousness or fear. Nitrous oxide (otherwise called “laughing gas”) or an IV conscious sedation may be used to relax the patient. After the procedure is complete, we educate patients on post-surgery care.

Beyond extractions, we offer other surgical procedures at our office. We can remove sores or lumps, and we work with Colorado Spring’s oral surgeons to identify any lesions that could cause oral cancer. Additionally, we can try to surgically eradicate gum disease or develop the tissue around the teeth with a process called gingival graft. In this case, tissue may be removed from the roof of the mouth and sutured to thin gum tissue to make gum lines thicker and more bacteria-resistant.

Dr. Vessel is also proficient in surgically placing implants and bone grafts. She has been placing implants since 2008 and has achieved a 95% success rate.