Why Would I Need A Tooth Extraction?
There are two primary reasons you may need a tooth extraction. First, the tooth may be too damaged to save it with a root canal or any other procedure. Most often, this is caused by extensive tooth decay or gum disease that results in irreversible tooth damage. However, oral trauma (such as a slip and fall or hard hit in a contact sport) can also crack and permanently damage the tooth, requiring it to be extracted.
The second reason is due to improper eruption of the wisdom teeth. The wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that erupt, usually coming in between the ages of 17 and 25. Many people do not have enough space for these teeth, so they can damage the nearby teeth, cause an increased risk of tooth infections, and cause a number of other uncomfortable complications.
To find out if you need a tooth extraction, we recommend scheduling a consultation with one of the doctors at The Good Dentist. We can explore your options and help you determine if extraction is the best option for your case.
The Tooth Extraction Process
To begin the process of a basic extraction, your mouth will be cleaned and numbed. You can also be sedated during this process, if necessary. Then, your dentist will gently wiggle the tooth loose and pull it out using special dental tools. The area will be cleaned, disinfected, and sutured shut to encourage proper healing. This process can be repeated multiple times, depending on how many teeth require extraction.
For teeth that are not fully erupted (impacted), surgical extraction will be necessary. In this process, your dentist will cut into your gum tissue to create an opening, then cut the tooth into pieces and remove it in sections. Then, the area will be cleaned, disinfected, and stitched shut to heal.
Do Tooth Extractions Hurt?
No. While some pain and discomfort will occur as you heal after your procedure, your mouth will be completely numb throughout the extraction process. We also offer sedation dentistry at The Good Dentist to ensure you feel calm and comfortable throughout the extraction process.
Post-Extraction Care & Recovery
You will need to avoid heavy exercise, eat soft foods, and clean your extraction site properly after your treatment to ensure your mouth heals properly. Your dentist at The Good Dentist will provide you with a comprehensive set of recovery instructions.
Follow these to the letter to ensure that you avoid common oral health complications. You will typically be able to make a full recovery within 1-2 weeks. Around this time, you’ll also come back to our office for a follow-up so we can remove stitches and check on the health of your extraction site.
At The Good Dentist, Dr. Ostromecki will always try to save your teeth. Tooth extractions are a last resort, and are used only if there is no way to keep your natural tooth, or if your wisdom teeth are not growing into your mouth properly. We offer gentle, pain-free extractions to remove your troublesome teeth, prevent complications, and help you get back to your day-to-day routine. If you are located in Merton, Hartland, North Lake or Pewaukee, call (263) 538-0892 to schedule a consultation today.
