Following the principles of modern Dentistry, our first goal is to always do everything possible to preserve your natural teeth. Unfortunately, sometimes we cannot avoid extraction. In some
cases of extensive caries, periodontitis, or when a tooth does not respond to endodontic therapy, the best option is extraction. Tooth extraction may also be required in a process of orthodontic treatment when addressing crowded teeth.
When the crown (the visible part of the tooth we are going to remove) is in good condition and its roots have smooth morphology, then a simple extraction is sufficient. If a tooth is broken, without enough tooth substance and/or has curved root shape or other morphological
difficulties, then extraction must be surgically performed. In this case, we will need to move part of your gums or even to remove a small amount of bone tissue.
Extraction is performed under local anaesthesia. This process may not sound pleasant, but with the aid of modern procedures and anaesthesia, you have anything to worry about! The key is to follow postoperative instructions, so that the healing can be completed as soon as possible.
Unerupted – partially erupted tooth extraction
Unerupted is a tooth that has not been formed properly, and as a result has not emerged into the mouth, but remains inside the gum. Partially erupted is, therefore, the tooth that has not been formed properly but only a part of it has emerged into the mouth.
The teeth that eminently remain unerupted or partially erupted are wisdom teeth or third molars. Normal wisdom teeth eruption happens during late adolescence, namely between 17 and 18 years of age. However, due to the fact that all the other teeth have already been
formed, there is not enough space for the smooth eruption of wisdom teeth.
Unerupted – partially erupted tooth extraction
Unerupted is a tooth that has not been formed properly, and as a result has not emerged into the mouth, but remains inside the gum. Partially erupted is, therefore, the tooth that has not been formed properly but only a part of it has emerged into the mouth.
The teeth that eminently remain unerupted or partially erupted are wisdom teeth or third molars. Normal wisdom teeth eruption happens during late adolescence, namely between 17 and 18 years of age. However, due to the fact that all the other teeth have already been
Unerupted wisdom teeth, due to pressure they exert, may destroy the adjacent tooth. Partially erupted wisdom teeth are in a challenging position, and we may not be able to clean them effectively. This way, an environment that promotes bacteria growth is created. This has two major consequences: firstly, infection of the gum, which causes pain, swelling, malodorousness, redness; namely a chronic inflammation that is called pericoronitis. And secondly, occurrence of caries is highly probable, which then may be extended to the other
molars.
Wisdom teeth that present such problems must be extracted. It would also be beneficial to be preventively extracted, and even as soon as possible before they can cause any problems. Early extraction is in fact an easier procedure, since there are not cysts, infections, or
erosions that would complicate the situation.
In any case, we will clinically and radiographically estimate the situation, in order to provide the best option depending on the characteristics of each individual case.
Unerupted wisdom teeth, due to pressure they exert, may destroy the adjacent tooth. Partially erupted wisdom teeth are in a challenging position, and we may not be able to clean them effectively. This way, an environment that promotes bacteria growth is created. This has two major consequences: firstly, infection of the gum, which causes pain, swelling, malodorousness, redness; namely a chronic inflammation that is called pericoronitis. And secondly, occurrence of caries is highly probable, which then may be extended to the other
molars.
Wisdom teeth that present such problems must be extracted. It would also be beneficial to be preventively extracted, and even as soon as possible before they can cause any problems. Early extraction is in fact an easier procedure, since there are not cysts, infections, or
In any case, we will clinically and radiographically estimate the situation, in order to provide the best option depending on the characteristics of each individual case.
Crown lengthening is a periodontal procedure performed either for clinical or aesthetic
reasons. Crown is the visible part of the tooth, and the purpose of the procedure is to reveal
the part of the tooth that is placed under the gum line, and thus length the visible part. The
intervention can also be performed by laser.
Clinical crown lengthening is performed in the following cases:
Aesthetic crown lengthening is performed to treat a condition called gummy smile. Some
people may present for various reasons gingival hyperplasia, an abnormal increase in the
size of their gums, resulting in coverage of a greater than normal part of the tooth crown. This
leads to smaller-appearing teeth, and affects the smile aesthetics. Of course, in some cases
the tooth may be naturally smaller. With this intervention, we basically move the gum line
towards the tooth root and reveal a greater part of the tooth.
Cysts are cavities containing fluid, and are usually formed at the tip of the tooth root. Are almost always associated with specific tooth pathology, such as dental caries, periodontitis, or trauma that could cause nerve infection.
Cysts are painlessly developed; but as they swell, symptoms such as inflammation, abscess, oedema, and eventually pain appear. If a cyst swells greatly, may cause bone destruction and loss of adjacent teeth, due to the pressure it exerts.
When the cyst is relatively small and is caused by tooth decay, the treatment is usually
conservative and endodontic therapy is performed (root canal treatment). But if the cyst persists, is big, or is caused by tooth pathology, then it must be completely removed.
Maxillary sinus augmentation
Sinus augmentation is a preparatory procedure we may have to perform before the placement of the upper jaw implants.
Maxillary sinuses are cavities full of air, located in the upper jaw, above the roots of the posterior teeth, at either side of the nose. When some upper jaw posterior teeth are lost for a long time, jawbone resorption happens, its volume in height and width decreases, and as a
result the sinus expands. Eventually, only a thin strip of bone has remained under the sinus floor, which is not sufficient for implant placement.
With modern techniques, we can elevate the sinus floor and move it away from the area we will be placing the implants. We can create enough space to place the bone graft and substitute the bone loss. Through a natural regenerative process, the body develops new
bone in the space of a few months, and when the bone is hard and stable enough, we can begin the implant placement process. When bone loss is not extended and only a slight elevation is needed, this procedure and implant placement can be performed together.