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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Turlock, CA
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 King Dentistry at 209-585-1474 for an appointment in our Turlock office.
A general dentist can offer many services to preserve patients' oral health, and orthodontics for teeth straightening may be included in that list. Orthodontics, or the process of aligning teeth and fixing the bite, can have a greater purpose than just aesthetics.In addition to beautifying a patient's smile by aligning their teeth, a general dentist…
General dentistry practices that cater to children often focus on creating a relaxing, playful environment that helps kids of all ages learn to care for their teeth, gums, and oral health over their lifetimes. These dental providers understand the importance of establishing a positive relationship and forging healthy habits early to last a lifetime. Consider…
You might think that if you are diligent about brushing and flossing at home, you can visit a dentist's office less often. However, general dentistry professionals agree that regularly visiting a dentist is important for your dental and overall health, even with good oral hygiene. In addition, there are numerous reasons it is a good…
Flossing is an oral hygiene basic that everyone should know. Dentists recommend flossing at least…
When you visit the dentist, you expect to get your teeth cleaned and learn the…
A healthy smile requires a lifetime of focusing on oral hygiene basics. Even if you…
Tooth decay happens when the enamel, or tooth surface, is damaged. You can use oral…
Keeping up with oral hygiene basics can prevent cavities and other issues with your teeth.…
When it comes to oral hygiene basics, you probably think that changing the foods that…
