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.
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…
It is natural for teeth to discolor over time. If you have noticed that your smile has lost its luster, a general dentist can help. For effective and long-lasting results, get personalized advice and treatment from the dentist in-office. However, there are general steps you can take to improve the whiteness of your smile. Below…
Visiting the dentist can be stressful, especially if you have never been or it has been many years since your last appointment. However, with the help of a general dentist, your first appointment and every appointment after that will be a breeze. This post will review some tips to make your first general dentist appointment…
Dental care plays a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile. General dentists…
It is natural for teeth to discolor over time. If you have noticed that your…
Visiting the dentist can be stressful, especially if you have never been or it has…
As a general rule, you should visit a general dentist every four to six months…
Curious about what you should be asking your general dentist when you visit? Read on…
Conscious IV sedation is a safe and effective method that allows patients to stay awake…
