dental

Extractions

Tooth Extractions at Dento Smile

Our family dentists strive to preserve your natural teeth for a lifetime. However, in cases where issues like trauma, infections, or gum disease make saving the teeth impossible, it may be necessary for your overall health to have them removed.

Reasons for Extracting a Tooth

Keeping You Comfortable

All of our tooth extractions are performed with local anesthetic and nitrous oxide (“happy gas”) to ensure your comfort. You’ll only feel mild pressure during the procedure. Additionally, if desired, we can arrange for an anesthetist to administer deeper sedation in our office. With this option, you may feel drowsy and may not recall much of the visit due to the amnesic effects of the sedation.

Tooth Replacement After Surgery

Extracting a tooth creates additional space in your mouth, which can affect the positioning of surrounding teeth. Without the support of adjacent teeth, you may notice movement in both dental arches. Issues such as crowding or misalignment can develop in a matter of months.
We recommend replacing your extracted tooth promptly to maintain natural teeth spacing. Options such as fixed bridges, dental implants, or partial dentures are considerations to explore. This step is particularly crucial if you’ve undergone prior orthodontic treatment.

Recovery

Dental extractions are generally routine procedures but require some recovery time afterward. Plan to take the remainder of the day off and keep an over-the-counter pain reliever handy.

To reduce swelling, consider using a cold compress for 20 minutes on and off. Inflammation is a common cause of oral discomfort. Stick to soft foods for the first few days and avoid using a straw, consuming carbonated beverages, or eating hot foods, as these can potentially hinder the healing process.

* All surgical or invasive procedures come with risks. It’s advisable to get a second opinion from a qualified health professional before moving forward.