Serial Extraction: an Overview

In the majority of cases, emergency dental extractions are done to counteract the effect of dental trauma or irreparable damage caused by tooth disease. A serial extraction done on patients in Murrieta, Temecula and nearby areas concerns orthodontics. A serial extraction is performed for reasons such as malpositioned teeth and jaws, dental crowding or misaligned bite patterns. It is a planned procedure which is normally performed by an oral surgeon. If you have a scheduled procedure involving multiple dental extractions coming up, here is what you need to know.

When do you do serial extractions?

There are several scenarios in which a dental extraction may become necessary:

• Dental crowding
• Severe infection and advanced gum disease
• Dental abscess
• Tooth damage that is beyond repair
• Severe pain
• Preparation for an orthodontic procedure

It is preparation for an orthodontic procedure that is the principal reason for serial extraction. Namely, serial extraction is planned extraction of teeth. A serial extraction needs to be performed in an orderly, predetermined sequence or pattern in order to:

• guide the erupting teeth into an optimal, more favorable position
• alleviate dental crowding
• or lessen the period of active appliance therapy.

Whether it concerns the premature removal of deciduous teeth or final removal of permanent teeth, the goal is to secure the optimal outcome for the patient and make the process as comfortable for the patient as possible. It is important that serial extractions are performed by experienced dental surgeons who can do the job in an efficient manner and address complications, if and when they arise, in an equally efficient manner.

How long do dental extractions take to heal?

When multiple extractions done for orthodontic or other reasons are concerned, patients assume that the procedure will last considerably longer than in the case of a single dental extraction. This depends on the scenario. Certain complex dental procedures which involve extractions done for orthodontic reasons may need to be done in stages and span a longer period of time. This determines the recovery time, as well. To optimize recovery time and outcome, patients need to observe proper oral hygiene and follow doctor’s instructions closely.

Do extractions change your face?

Having teeth extracted can cause changes to the face. Although the change may not always be perceivable and it essentially depends on the location of the extracted tooth, facial sagging following tooth loss can happen due to bone loss and a loss of facial structure and volume. This is one of the reasons traditional dentures are considered among the least favorable tooth replacement options, as they can further aggravate the situation and impact your overall appearance in a negative way.

Nevertheless, this is one of the key reasons why patients should be familiar with dental implants and other tooth replacement methods. In fact, patients can expect to receive the best outcome the sooner they have the dental implant procedure done. Preferably, the implant should be placed not long after the patient has made full recovery from the extraction. Dental implant placement is less invasive than tooth extraction and recovery is rapid.

Pain-free orthodontic serial extractions in Murrieta, Temecula and beyond

At Temecula Facial Oral Surgery, we get it: your upcoming dental procedure sounds intimidating and it is the very last thing you want. But we also know that the right oral surgeon can guide you through the procedure with confidence. We handle emergency extractions and planned extractions with equal dedication, precision and expertise. This makes the procedure safe and efficient, bringing your level of discomfort to a minimum. Find out why we are the go-to oral surgery office for patients from Temecula, Murrieta, French Valley and other communities in the vicinity. Reach out to us for your free evaluation appointment and let us turn your frown upside down!