Dental Extractions
Tooth extraction may sound intimidating, but in reality, most patients experience little to no pain or discomfort. Removing a tooth is usually our last resort, but sometimes it is our only viable option. We, at Natural Smiles Family Dentistry, are all about providing you with quality, comfortable dental care!
When Is an Extraction Indicated?
Following are some of the most common reasons we may recommend a tooth extraction:
- The tooth structure is too damaged by a fracture or deep cavity to repair.
- A tooth has a severe infection that cannot be resolved by a root canal treatment.
- A tooth is loose due to periodontal disease and cannot be saved.
- Some of the teeth are blocking other permanent teeth from coming in.
- Orthodontic treatment may require tooth removal of a tooth in an overcrowded mouth, to make the needed space for correcting teeth alignment.
- Wisdom teeth may be coming in at the wrong angle or may be impacted, decayed, or infected.
What Should You Expect?
We will start with numbing the area with a local anesthetic for your comfort. We will discuss your sedation options with you so that you can relax during the procedure.
Extractions can be simple or surgical procedures. Simple extractions are usually needed when the tooth is visible and accessible. We will first loosen your tooth with an instrument called an elevator, then use forceps to extract it.
Surgical extractions involve the removal of teeth not easily accessed because they have not fully erupted, or if they are broken under the gum. We may need to make a small incision to gain access to the tooth. We will then use forceps to loosen and remove it. At times we may need to remove your tooth in pieces.
After Tooth Extraction
You may experience some pain or discomfort after the procedure. Apply an ice pack to the area to reduce any swelling and use your prescribed pain medication as needed. Make sure to follow the post-operative instructions we provide to ensure a positive healing process.
Refrain from spitting with force, drinking through a straw or smoking, for at least 24 hours after the procedure to prevent dislodging the clot forming in your tooth socket, which can cause a painful condition called dry socket.
Healing may take a week or two. Over time, the gap left by a missing tooth can cause the surrounding teeth to shift, affecting your bite, and making it hard to chew. We usually recommend replacing your extracted tooth with a dental implant or a bridge.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Contact us at Natural Smiles Family Dentistry to learn more about the quality services we offer. Our highly experienced and compassionate team keeps your comfort and well-being as the top priority. We strive to help you maintain your smile healthy for a lifetime.