Our Services
Tooth Removal and Sedation (Sleep Dentistry)
When an infected, broken or wisdom tooth has to be removed, Dr. Spurlock can extract the tooth here at our office. He takes his time and is very gentle. You will be given a local anesthetic to numb that area of the mouth.
The removal of wisdom teeth has become so commonplace that is almost a right of passage for young adults. Wisdom teeth are a type of molar that is found in the very back of your mouth. There are four wisdom teeth: upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right. These teeth usually appear in late teens or early twenties but may become impacted (fail to erupt) due to lack of room in the jaw or angle of entry. The most common type of impacted wisdom tooth is "mesial," meaning that the tooth is angled forward toward the front of your mouth.
When a tooth is impacted, it may need to be removed. If it is not removed, you may develop gum tenderness, swelling, or even severe pain. Impacted wisdom teeth that are partially or fully erupted tend to be quite difficult to clean and are susceptible to tooth decay, recurring infections, and even gum disease.
Each patient's situation is unique, and your dentist will take x-rays and discuss your particular needs with you. If your dentist recommends removal of your wisdom teeth, it is best to have them removed sooner than later. As a general rule, wisdom teeth are removed in the late teens or early twenties because there is a greater chance that the teeth's roots have not fully formed and the bone surrounding the teeth is less dense. These two factors can make extraction easier.
There are times when it is necessary to remove a tooth. Sometimes a baby tooth has misshapen or long roots that prevent it from falling out as it should and the tooth must be removed to make way for the permanent tooth to erupt. At other times, a tooth may have so much decay that it puts the surrounding teeth and jaw at risk of decay, so your doctor may recommend removal and replacement with a bridge or implant. Infection, orthodontic correction, or problems with a wisdom tooth can also require removal of a tooth.
We offer 3 levels of sedation at our office. The first level is Nitrous Oxide, often called laughing gas. Nitrous oxide is a gas that you breathe through a nose piece during your visit. Most people feel relaxed, happy, and unconcerned. There are no long-lasting effects after you stop breathing the gas so you can safely drive yourself. The second level is a mild sedative that we can prescribe for you to take prior to coming to your visit. Most people feel relaxed, unconcerned and sleepy. The third level, conscience sedation, is a combination of a specific sedative an nitrous oxide. The medicines are given here in our office and most people feel very sedated or sleep through the entire appointment. We will evaluate your medical history and your dental apprehensions to recommend a level that is appropriate to you.
Once the teeth have been extracted, the healing process begins. Healing time varies depending on the degree of difficulty related to the extraction. Your dentist will share with you what to expect and provide instructions for an efficient healing.
Once a tooth has been removed, neighboring teeth may shift causing problems with chewing or with your jaw joint function. To avoid these complications, your dentist may recommend that you replace the extracted tooth.