Welcome to Young Smiles Family Dentistry
Dental Extractions
Dental extractions involve the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. While preserving natural teeth is always our goal, extractions are sometimes necessary to maintain overall oral health.
Let us know if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Severe tooth pain.
- Pain that worsens with pressure, chewing or change in posture.
- Jaw pain or stiffness.
- Difficulty in mouth opening.
- Swollen gums around the tooth or teeth.
- Signs of gum disease such as discoloration, bleeding or a bad odor.
- Sign of infection like Pus/Drainage or fever
When are Extractions needed?
Extractions may be required for various reasons, including:
Severe Tooth Decay or Damage: When a tooth is too damaged to be repaired with a filling or crown.
Gum Disease: Advanced periodontal disease can loosen teeth, necessitating removal.
Impacted Teeth: Wisdom teeth or other teeth that are trapped in the jawbone and cannot erupt properly.
Risk of Infection: In cases where the immune system is compromised (e.g., chemotherapy patients), removing a problematic tooth can prevent further health issues.
Baby Teeth: When baby teeth have trouble exfoliating on their own and need to be removed to allow permanent teeth to come in properly.
Orthodontic Treatment: Removing teeth to create space and achieve better alignment.
Pain or Infection: Extracting teeth that cause severe pain or have infections that cannot be resolved with antibiotics or root canal therapy.
The Treatment Plan
A tooth extraction procedure is performed by a dentist and usually requires only one office visit. Our team at Young Smiles Family Practice ensures that the extraction process is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Here is how we go about the process, from determining if tooth removal is the right decision for you, to tooth extraction, to aftercare:
Consultation
Before our dentists pull any teeth, they will carefully examine, take radiographs, evaluate your symptoms and discuss your options to determine the best course of action for you and the health of your teeth.
Extraction
The dentist will then gently numb your teeth and gums using a local anesthetic in the areas where the tooth will be extracted. Sedation may also be available if it’s required. Our dentists use a minimally invasive technique to remove teeth as gently as possible. Your comfort and quick recovery are our top priority.
Post-Extraction
You will be given aftercare instructions, including:
- How to care for your mouth as it heals.
- What to expect.
- What to do if you experience complications.
We would be happy to schedule a follow-up appointment to address any additional concerns you may have.
For Post-Extraction Instruction Click On The Icon Below
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. Removal depends on factors like alignment, pain, infection, and potential complications; our team will assess and recommend the best course of action.
Thanks to modern dental techniques and equipment, tooth extractions are virtually painless. Many patients are surprised by how quick and easy the procedure actually is! Of course, some discomfort is to be expected, but we will provide you with aftercare instructions to help keep you as comfortable as possible during the quick healing process.
About an hour after your procedure, you may remove the gauze sponges that have been placed in your mouth and have something to eat. Be sure to eat only soft foods for the first 24 hours. Be sure to avoid hot foods and drinking from straws for several hours.
We will provide you with aftercare instructions specific to your needs at your appointment. Here are some general things you can do after a tooth extraction or dental surgery more generally to minimize the risk of complications and encourage a speedy recovery:
- Avoid spitting, mouth rinsing, blowing your nose, using a straw, and smoking in the first 24 hours after tooth extraction.
- Don’t touch the extraction site with your finger or tongue.
- Avoid hot foods and drinks.
- Avoid physical activities and exercise.
Barring any unforeseen complications, expect a typical tooth extraction to take around 45 minutes or less.