People come to Guymon Orthodontics with all sorts of orthodontic issues. We’re happy to help! Dr. Guymon is ready and waiting to handle any and all orthodontic issues. Sometimes, a patient may have a situation that recommends we consider extracting a tooth. Obviously, that’s never the first thing a patient wants to hear! And rest assured; extraction therapy will never be the go-to solution for our Logan and Hyrum area patients. Fortunately, we can explore all sorts of treatment options that focus on saving any teeth that may be at risk of extraction.
However, sometimes there just isn’t any substitute for extraction. But why would that be? What is extraction therapy? What does it treat? And what can I expect if Dr. Guymon recommends extraction?
We’ll answer all that and more below, so keep reading!
Why Would You Need Extraction Therapy?
Extraction therapy, just like it sounds, is when we determine that the best thing for your health and smile is removal of any particular tooth. This decision may be because the tooth is unhealthy, such as a severe abscess or periodontal disorder. By removing one or more teeth, we can create extra space, so your remaining teeth can align more nicely.
We know this can be scary to consider, but don’t worry! The decision to proceed with extraction therapy is made after a careful evaluation by Dr. Guymon. They consider questions like how crowded your teeth are, how your bite fits together, the shape of your face, and your overall oral health. We want to ensure that extraction therapy will ultimately benefit your oral well-being.
What Does Extraction Therapy Treat?
At Guymon Orthodontics, we use extraction therapy rarely to address specific dental conditions and concerns. Most often, we’ll consider extraction in the case of dental crowding. That’s when there isn’t enough space in the jaw to accommodate all the teeth. Here are a few of the conditions that we can use extraction therapy to help treat:
- Dental Crowding: Extraction therapy can create space in the mouth by removing one or more teeth. This allows the remaining teeth to align correctly and reduces crowding, which can result in a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile.
- Overlapping Teeth: When teeth overlap or are severely misaligned, extraction therapy may be recommended to create room for proper alignment. By removing specific teeth, we can facilitate the movement and alignment of the remaining teeth into a healthier position.
- Impacted Teeth: Sometimes, a tooth fails to fully emerge from the gums due to lack of space or obstruction, which is known as an impacted tooth. Extraction therapy can be the perfect solution to remove impacted teeth. This will prevent potential complications such as infections, pain, and damage to neighboring teeth.
- Bite Irregularities: Sometimes, we’ll use extraction therapy as one piece of an overall orthodontic treatment plan to correct underlying bite irregularities, such as overbites or underbites. By strategically removing specific teeth, we can help you have a more properly aligned jaw and a better, healthier bite.
It’s important to note that extraction therapy is not the only treatment option available for these conditions. You and Dr. Guymon will work together, taking into account your unique circumstances, oral health, and treatment goals.
What Can I Expect From an Extraction?
We’re fully equipped with the latest methods and technology at Guymon Orthodontics, so if you and Dr. Guymon decide that’s the best course of action for you, there’s nothing to worry about! Our team is highly skilled and experienced, and most patients don’t know the tooth is out until we tell them!
Dr. Guymon uses a conservative approach that keeps as much dental tissue as possible while ensuring you get the perfect results, making healing faster and easier. This means that even if we recommend extraction, you can be confident that you won’t have to deal with any major discomfort or long-lasting orthodontic issues surrounding the missing tooth.
You’ve Got Options – Non-Extraction Therapy
At Guymon Orthodontics, we stress approaches to therapy that will always work to preserve the health of your teeth and gums first and foremost. That means extraction therapy is rarely the only option. Depending on your circumstances, there are plenty of approaches to address orthodontic issues. Here are a few alternatives to extraction therapy:
- Orthodontic Appliances: In many cases, issues that may be treatable via extraction can be handled in the regular course of primary orthodontic treatment, such as braces or Invisalign. The gradual pressure can move the offending teeth into a better position over time.
- Interproximal Reduction (IPR): Also known as tooth stripping or slenderizing, IPR involves the precise removal of small amounts of enamel between teeth. This can give teeth the space they need without resorting to extraction.
- Expansion Therapy: Expansion therapy widens the dental arch, creating additional space for teeth to align correctly. This approach utilizes orthodontic appliances, such as expanders, which gently widen the upper or lower jaw to accommodate all the teeth.
- Surgical Orthodontics: In more severe cases, when the discrepancy between the jaw and teeth is significant, surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, may be considered. In this case, we’ll combine orthodontic treatment with surgery to create your ideal bite and smile.
Give Us A Call With More Questions!
Thanks so much for reading up on the differences between extraction and non-extraction therapy! At Guymon Orthodontics, we’re always happy to answer any questions our amazing Logan and Hyrum patients have, so feel free to call us at 435-752-5991 or just fill out this convenient online form to get started with your first free consultation! Your smile will thank you!