Tooth Extraction
What is a Tooth Extraction?
Extractions involve completely removing a tooth from your mouth. Extractions are always done to improve the health of your smile and we take all steps necessary to save a tooth before it’s removed. In some cases, extractions can help to prevent problems from happening in the future, as you’ll find with wisdom teeth. We perform extractions in a safe and comfortable manner in our office.
Why would a Tooth Extraction be needed?
An extraction may be needed if a tooth has become severely decayed or has become loose due to gum disease. If a tooth has cracked or broken far below the gum line, we may recommend having it removed. For young adults with wisdom teeth, removing them can help to prevent problems in the near future. Some patients choose to have a tooth extracted rather than go for other, more complicated procedures.
Who’s a good candidate for a Tooth Extraction?
Most of our patients who need or want to have an extraction done can safely have the tooth removed in our office. We will have a consultation with you before the tooth is removed and will go over your health and medical history. We will offer recommendations and advice concerning the procedure if you’re currently on blood thinning medications. We may offer other treatment options to help in saving the tooth rather than having it extracted, but we always listen to our patients and their own desires.
What happens during a routine Tooth Extraction?
You’ll have local anesthetic administered to make the procedure comfortable. Using specialized tools and instruments, our doctor will remove the tooth. Sutures may be used if they are needed to help close the gums and promote healing. Not every extraction will need sutures. You’ll bite down on a piece of gauze and will be given home care instructions to keep the area clean. This helps to prevent infection as well as a condition known as dry socket, which you can get from smoking or drinking through a straw shortly after oral surgery.
If you think you might need to have a tooth extracted, call us today and we can help to get you in for an appointment to be seen.