Tooth Extraction
What is a Tooth Extraction?
Extractions are done as a way to remove a problematic tooth from the mouth. The tooth might be severely decayed or damaged, or it poses a problem to your future oral health. At all times, we work to make the extraction process as comfortable and convenient as possible. Extractions can be done on both adult and pediatric patients on an as-needed basis.
Why might a Tooth Extraction be needed?
The reason an extraction might be necessary is because a tooth has broken below the gum line or is so severely decayed that is can no longer be saved. Many of our patients request an extraction rather than other treatments because of cost purposes. For children, teens and young adults, extractions of stubborn baby teeth or impacted wisdom teeth can help to prevent future problems from developing.
Who is a candidate for a Tooth Extraction?
Most patients who need an extraction can safely have the procedure done in our office. We can examine your teeth to determine if extracting one or more teeth is right for you. It is not uncommon for patients with severely advanced gum disease to need multiple teeth extracted prior to being fitted for a denture. While we take every step necessary to preserve healthy teeth, there may come a time when extracting a tooth is the best option for your dental health.
What happens during a Tooth Extraction?
We begin by administering either a local or general anesthetic according to your needs. We then loosen the tooth using special tools and lift it out of its socket. If needed, we will place sutures immediately after the tooth is removed. You’ll bite down on some gauze to stop any bleeding, and we’ll provide you with aftercare instructions. It is important to follow these instructions to prevent any post-operative complications, like dry socket. You can come back into the office after about a week for us to perform a follow-up examination to make sure the area is healing properly.
If you’d like to learn more about extractions and how they’re done, call us today to speak with one of our knowledgeable team members.