The teeth on each side of your central front teeth are called lateral incisors, and during a lateral incisor extraction, one or both of them may be removed. A lateral incisor may need to be extracted in some situations, even though it is usually preferable to keep natural teeth intact wherever feasible explains a dentist in Artesia, CA. The purpose of lateral incisor extraction, the operation, and what to anticipate during recovery are all covered in this article.
Lateral Incisors
Lateral incisors refer to the teeth that are second from the middle of your mouth and in between central incisors and canine. Not only are they visible and prominent, but they also have a great influence over how your smile looks. In addition to playing an important role in chewing due to accessibility when you close your mouth, lateral incisors also have a certain significance for the aesthetics of our overall dental arch.
The Lateral Incisor Removal Process
Extraction of the maxillary lateral incisor is also carried out by a general dentist or oral surgeon. The process is simple and consists of steps such as,
1. Consultation and Evaluation
Before the extraction, your dentist will perform a comprehensive exam which could entail X-rays being taken so that they can gauchely develop an idea of where the lateral incisor is situated within its region and how healthy it may be. This helps to ascertain the ideal strategy for extractions.
2. Anesthesia
The dentist will also provide you with a local anesthetic so the experience is pain-free and numb, at least on the surface around your lateral incisor. They may also have options such as sedation, particularly if the procedure provokes anxiety in the patient.
3. Extraction Process
The dentist removes the tooth once your area is numb. They are simple extraction and surgical extraction.
- Simple Extraction: this is done when the lateral incisor has erupted on its own and it can be readily exposed. The dentist will then use specific tools to convey the tooth out of its socket comfortably and easily.
- Surgical Extraction: If the tooth is broken, not fully erupted or impacted. Extracting an impacted tooth requires cutting into the gum tissue to access the tooth, and sometimes removing some of the bone around to help loosen it. Sectioning of the tooth into block pieces to facilitate removal.
4. Post-Extraction Care
Once the tooth is extracted, your dentist will put a gauze pack to control bleeding at the extraction site. In certain circumstances, especially in surgical extractions, the incision may be closed with stitches.
Tooth Replacement Options
- Dental Implants: The dental implant is a titanium post (like a tooth root) that is surgically placed into the jawbone. After the bone heals, a crown is joined to the implant allowing for what would seem like normal teeth.
- Dental Bridges: A dental bridge is a false tooth that carries the need for two adjacent teeth. Although less invasive than implants, it will require the same support from adjacent teeth.
- Partial Dentures: If you like a removable option, partial dentures can be used to fill in for one or more missing teeth. Since they are specially fabricated to fit in your mouth, they can be removed at will when for cleaning.
Even though lateral incisor extraction is a routine surgery, it should be carried out carefully and under the supervision of a specialist. The extraction of a lateral incisor may be necessary for orthodontic purposes, trauma, decay, or other conditions that affect the structure and function of your teeth. Making judgments on your oral health requires knowledge of the causes of the extraction, the actual treatment, and the healing period. See your dentist to determine the best course of action and to discuss your alternatives for keeping a beautiful, healthy smile if you think that a lateral incisor extraction could be required.
