My Blog
Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
- 2012
Tags
- fluoride (2)
- celebrity smiles (86)
- floss (1)
- periodontal (gum) disease (1)
- common symptoms (1)
- oral health (31)
- oral hygiene (32)
- diabetes (1)
- smile makeover (7)
- cosmetic dentistry (21)
- veneers (6)
- invisalign (1)
- clear aligners (5)
- orthodontics (5)
- dental implants (23)
- chipped tooth (3)
- bonding (2)
- pediatric dentistry (6)
- teething (1)
- thumb sucking (2)
- oral cancer (6)
- orthodontic treatment (11)
- braces (9)
- dentures (5)
- pediatric care (2)
- pregnancy (3)
- gum disease (9)
- periodontal disease (3)
- tooth decay (15)
- crowns (8)
- local anesthesia (2)
- dental crowns (3)
- missing tooth (2)
- replacing teeth (1)
- dental implant (3)
- porcelain veneers (5)
- bleeding gums (1)
- bridgework (1)
- tooth pain (5)
- root canal treatment (2)
- plastic surgery (1)
- gum recession (1)
- wisdom teeth (5)
- x-rays (2)
- tooth grinding (1)
- athletic mouthguards (2)
- dental injury (9)
- mouthguards (5)
- tooth extraction (1)
- toothache (2)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- tmd (3)
- tmj disorders (5)
- tmj (3)
- tooth wear (2)
- cancer (1)
- root canal (3)
- smoking (3)
- mouthguard (1)
- root resorption (1)
- canker sores (1)
- dental emergency (2)
- teeth wear (1)
- bad breath (1)
- teeth grinding (3)
- nutrition (6)
- sugar (2)
- sensitive teeth (1)
- dry mouth (2)
- missing teeth (2)
- implant dentistry (1)
- toothpaste (1)
- restorative dentistry (1)
- teeth whitening (3)
- Family Dentist (1)
- dental care (3)
- flossing (1)
- chipped teeth (1)
- snoring (1)
- sleep apnea (1)
- dental injuries (1)
- removable partial denture (1)
- Damaged Teeth (2)
- tooth replacement (1)
- sports drinks (1)
- dentistry (1)
- x-ray (1)
- Family Dentistry (2)
- osteoporosis (1)
- bone grafting (1)
- CAT scans (1)
- bridge (1)
- bone loss (1)
- Dental Sealants (1)
- retainer (1)
- vitamins (1)
- mouthrinse (1)
- Gums (1)
- Root Canal Therapy (1)
- extraction (1)
- stress (1)
- dental exam (1)
- mouth sore (1)
My Blog
Posts for tag: extraction
The movie Bohemian Rhapsody celebrates the iconic rock band Queen and its legendary lead vocalist, Freddie Mercury. But when we see pictures of the flamboyant singer, many fans both old and new may wonder—what made Freddie’s toothy smile look the way it did? Here’s the answer: The singer was born with four extra teeth at the back of his mouth, which caused his front teeth to be pushed forward, giving him a noticeable overbite.
The presence of extra teeth—more than 20 primary (baby) teeth or 32 adult teeth—is a relatively rare condition called hyperdontia. Sometimes this condition causes no trouble, and an extra tooth (or two) isn’t even recognized until the person has an oral examination. In other situations, hyperdontia can create problems in the mouth such as crowding, malocclusion (bad bite) and periodontal disease. That’s when treatment may be recommended.
Exactly what kind of treatment is needed? There’s a different answer for each individual, but in many cases the problem can be successfully resolved with tooth extraction (removal) and orthodontic treatment (such as braces). Some people may be concerned about having teeth removed, whether it’s for this problem or another issue. But in skilled hands, this procedure is routine and relatively painless.
Teeth aren’t set rigidly in the jawbone like posts in cement—they are actually held in place dynamically by a fibrous membrane called the periodontal ligament. With careful manipulation of the tooth, these fibers can be dislodged and the tooth can be easily extracted. Of course, you won’t feel this happening because extraction is done under anesthesia (often via a numbing shot). In addition, you may be given a sedative or anti-anxiety medication to help you relax during the procedure.
After extraction, some bone grafting material may be placed in the tooth socket and gauze may be applied to control bleeding; sutures (stitches) are sometimes used as well. You’ll receive instructions on medication and post-extraction care before you go home. While you will probably feel discomfort in the area right after the procedure, in a week or so the healing process will be well underway.
Sometimes, dental problems like hyperdontia need immediate treatment because they can negatively affect your overall health; at other times, the issue may be mainly cosmetic. Freddie Mercury declined treatment because he was afraid dental work might interfere with his vocal range. But the decision to change the way your smile looks is up to you; after an examination, we can help you determine what treatment options are appropriate for your own situation.
If you have questions about tooth extraction or orthodontics, please contact our office or schedule a consultation. You can read more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Simple Tooth Extraction” and “The Magic of Orthodontics.”
