Extractions & Preservation

Your permanent teeth are incredibly tough, but not invincible. Factors like trauma, poor oral hygiene, and the natural aging process can result in damage or decay, increasing your risk of more serious problems. At her self-titled practice, Addie Chang, DMD, a family dentist, and her team, use extractions and preservation techniques to treat severely decaying, cracked, and impacted teeth. Make an appointment today by calling the office in Tukwila, Washington, or click the online booking feature.

What are extractions and preservation?

Extractions and preservation are dental procedures that remove or repair damaged, decaying, or impacted permanent teeth. Though they’re often mentioned together, extractions and preservation are different things:

Extractions

During an extraction, your dentist uses special tools to remove one (or several) permanent teeth. There are two types of extractions –– simple and surgical. Simple extractions remove teeth above the gum line; while surgical extractions remove impacted teeth (teeth unable to break through the gum line). 

Preservation

Preservation refers to surgical techniques like bone and tissue grafting. These procedures help regenerate bone or gum tissue, lost to poor oral hygiene, trauma, or the natural aging process. 

Why would I need extractions or preservation?

At the practice of Addie Chang, DMD, the team uses extractions and preservation to treat various issues, including:

• Severe tooth decay
• Fractured teeth
• An impacted tooth
• Crowded teeth
• Severe gum disease

You might also be a candidate for tooth extraction if you’re preparing to undergo a medical procedure like an organ transplant. Removing weak or decaying teeth beforehand can reduce your risk of complications, such as infection.

Who is a candidate for extractions and preservation?

Before recommending extractions or preservation, your provider reviews your dental health history, completes an oral exam, and takes a series of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) X-rays. If you have a severely damaged or decaying permanent tooth, an impacted wisdom tooth, low bone volume, or receding gums, you qualify for treatment.

Are extractions and preservation painful?

At the practice of Addie Chang, DMD, extractions, and preservation are safe and usually well-tolerated. The team offers sedation dentistry, ensuring patient comfort, and uses advanced techniques that minimize damage to the tooth enamel, gums, and surrounding tissues.

What is recovery like after extractions and preservation?

After extractions and preservation, it’s normal to experience mild swelling and increased sensitivity. Take it easy for at least 24 hours, drink plenty of water, and follow your provider’s recovery instructions. You can return to work and other activities the next day, but avoid strenuous exercise for at least a week.  

Learn more about extractions and preservation, by making an appointment at the practice of Addie Chang, DMD, today. Call the office to speak with a staff member or click the online booking feature.