Ask a General Dentist: What Happens to Your Tooth After Extraction

Ask a General Dentist: What Happens to Your Tooth After Extraction from Roderick A. Garcia, DMD PC in Albuquerque, NMTooth extraction frequently occurs in the office of a general dentist for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Bacterial decay
  • Accidental breakage
  • Overcrowding
  • Impaction

Most patients are more concerned about the gap the tooth leaves behind than its fate outside their mouths. An extracted tooth usually takes one of the following paths, depending on whether the dentist or the patient claims it.

Reasons a dentist keeps the tooth

Incineration

A dentist usually places an extracted tooth into a sealed bio-medical bag because it retains the patient's oral tissue and blood, which are potentially infectious materials. Bio-medical waste services remove the bags from dental offices and bring them to facilities to incinerate their contents.

Recycling

If a general dentist pulls a tooth with a filling containing metal, it is necessary to send it to a recycling facility before incineration. Burning a tooth before removing the filling poses a risk of contaminating the air with mercury found in the metal. The metal can be repurposed after it is removed.

Training

Sometimes, dentists send extracted teeth to universities and other institutions where dental students and colleagues receive training. Extracted teeth can help students studying dental diseases and procedures because they present real case studies and practice models.

Research

A general dentist may want to attend seminars and take workshops to learn about new and updated techniques for patient services. By sending extracted teeth to dental laboratories and research facilities, a dentist can help ensure an adequate supply of models to test the efficacy of new procedures before they are recommended and taught.

Reasons a patient keeps the tooth

Patients may want to keep extracted teeth for various reasons. Before releasing a tooth to a patient, a dentist must thoroughly clean it to remove traces of bacteria and tissue.

Sale

Some individuals who have extracted teeth with metal fillings or gold crowns may wish to deliver them to scrap metal collectors who reuse the material. These services will reimburse individuals according to the amount of retrievable metal. Teeth containing gold crowns are particularly desirable.

Sentiment

There are many reasons why patients have sentimental attachments to extracted teeth. Although this mostly occurs with baby teeth, adults may occasionally attach a particular meaning to a tooth, making it a desirable memento.

Bragging rights

Some patients are intrigued by the removal of teeth from their mouths and want to show them to others. Impacted wisdom teeth are usually large, creating a sense of astonishment that some people feel compelled to share.

Projects

A few patients get creative with extracted teeth, using them as display objects, jewelry, or incorporating them into art projects. Although this is not an appealing route for most persons, it does happen. A general dentist must take great care to sanitize the tooth and instruct the patient about its proper handling before releasing it.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
General Dentist in Albuquerque, NM

Conclusion

Tooth extraction is a standard service provided by a general dentist; however, it is considered a last resort for damaged teeth beyond repair or teeth that pose other oral health risks. Patients who want to keep extracted teeth should notify their dentist before treatment.

Request an appointment or call Roderick A. Garcia, DMD PC at 505-634-5029 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.

Recent Posts

FAQ About Services Offered By General Dentists

Dental care plays a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile. General dentists provide various services to help individuals achieve optimal oral health. This blog will explore the most commonly asked questions about general dentists and explain their diverse services.General dentistry is a type of dental care focused on preventing, diagnosing, and treating…

How A General Dentist Can Repair Broken Teeth

General dentists are the professionals individuals see for preventative dental care and their biannual checkups. However, they can also help with sudden dental needs, such as treating tooth pain or repairing broken teeth. Let us look at the causes of broken teeth, their types, and how we can help.There are various types of broken teeth,…

What To Ask A General Dentist At Your First Appointment

Whether you have not visited the dentist in a long time, have never been, or are simply switching general dentists, it is normal to have questions on your mind. Patients often want to ask about their current oral health, such as whether they need to be worried about cavities or persistent tooth sensitivity. They may…

Recent Posts

FAQ About Services Offered By General Dentists

FAQ About Services Offered By General Dentists

Dental care plays a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile. General dentists provide various services to help individuals achieve optimal oral health. This blog will explore the most commonly asked questions about general dentists and explain their diverse services.General dentistry is a type of dental care focused on preventing, diagnosing, and treating…

How A General Dentist Can Repair Broken Teeth

How A General Dentist Can Repair Broken Teeth

General dentists are the professionals individuals see for preventative dental care and their biannual checkups. However, they can also help with sudden dental needs, such as treating tooth pain or repairing broken teeth. Let us look at the causes of broken teeth, their types, and how we can help.There are various types of broken teeth,…

Summer Specials Available through August 2022