Extractions

Extraction is performed for positional, structural, or economic reasons. Teeth are often removed because they are impacted. Teeth become impacted when they are prevented from growing into their normal position in the mouth by gum tissue, bone, or other teeth. Impaction is a common reason for the extraction of wisdom teeth.

Reasons for an Extraction:

• Teeth broken beyond repair
• Teeth decayed beyond repair
• Teeth infected to the point where a root canal is no longer appropriate
• Overly crowded teeth

If we believe that extraction is the best treatment, we’ll discuss the situation with you beforehand to make sure that you understand your options and the expected outcomes. Ultimately, your dental health is in your hands, and we want to give you the tools you need to make an informed decision.

Simple Tooth Extractions

Simple extractions are performed quickly. The area will be numbed and then your tooth will be gently lifted out using a special instrument called and elevator and then removed. Little aftercare is required, but we will give specific instructions to follow at home.

Home Care Tips Following an Extraction

Simple extractions heal quickly, but there are a few steps you can take to increase your comfort level following your extraction and prevent complications:

• Avoid chewing or eating for about two hours following your extraction.
• Ice packs can relieve any discomfort or swelling you might be experiencing.
• Do not suck through a straw, smoke, or poke at the extraction with your finger or tongue since this can dislodge the clot that helps the healing process.
• Do not rinse your mouth on the day of your extraction.
• Stock your fridge and pantry with soft foods that don’t require much chewing for the day of the extraction. This can include soups, yogurt, pudding, gelatin, and eggs.
• Use the gauze pads we provide to stop any bleeding and promote clot development.

Call our office today if you have teeth that are damaged or are causing you pain to find out if they can be repaired or if extraction is right for you.