With braces, dentists are able to straighten crooked teeth, prevent teeth from crowding and rubbing against each other, and resolve an uneven bite. However, there are some instances where in order to receive braces, other treatments need to be completed first. This can include tooth extractions; a treatment many people are surprised to hear they need before they can begin their journey towards a straight smile. Why do some people need a tooth extraction in Marietta, OH, before getting braces? Read on to find out!
Scenarios Where Tooth Removal is Needed
There are a variety of reasons why an orthodontist might recommend tooth removal prior to braces. For example, if there is significant crowding or misalignment in the upper or lower jaw, it may be impossible to attach braces before specific teeth are removed. Additionally, tooth removal could be the only way to effectively correct bite asymmetry depending on the case.
In other instances, teeth could be so damaged, either due to injury or dental disease, that placing braces before removing them can put your entire orthodontic treatment at risk. If there are significant front-to-back discrepancies when it comes to the relationship between the upper and lower jaws, removing a tooth might be the only viable option to ensure a successful outcome. Following an extraction, we may be able to create the room needed to shift teeth.
How Do Tooth Extractions Work?
Prior to an extraction, the oral surgeon will walk you through every step of the process to ensure you know what to expect beforehand. After numbing the tooth and surrounding tissue, they can begin gently removing it using a dental elevator. This device works to rock the tooth back and forth so that it can be disconnected from the periodontal ligament holding it in place.
Immediately after, you’ll be asked to bite down onto a gauze pad so that the open socket can begin the healing process.
How Many Teeth Will Need to Be Removed?
If an extraction is necessary to complete orthodontic care, anywhere between one to four teeth. However, your orthodontist will plan your treatment in a way so that the fewest number of teeth need to be removed. In most cases, the premolars, which are the fourth and fifth teeth from the front, are removed. During your orthodontic consultation, you’ll be able to confirm if and how many teeth need removal before you’re partnered with an oral surgeon.
Just because you need to remove teeth to begin orthodontic treatment doesn’t mean you should feel discouraged. A tooth extraction may be your first step toward your ideal smile, and once you see your newly straightened teeth in the mirror, you’ll be more than happy you did it.
About the Author
Dr. Jeff Lee has providing oral surgery services for the Marietta area for well over a decade. On top working at his dedicated practice, he’s also a part-time faculty member in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. He became an certified oral surgeon following his four-year residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. To learn more about his practice or schedule an appointment with him, you can contact him through his website.