Tooth Extractions
At Enhance Dental, we believe in preserving your natural smile and only resort to tooth extractions as a last resort. Our team of experienced dental professionals will always explore all other options before recommending a tooth extraction. However, there may be instances where tooth extraction becomes necessary and in such cases, we offer serene and comfortable dental extractions as part of our general dentistry services. Our goal is to ensure that our patients receive the highest quality of dental care and leave our clinic with a healthy and beautiful smile.
Tooth extraction is a dental procedure that involves removing a tooth from the socket in the jawbone. The process begins with a consultation with your Enhance dentist, who will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth to determine if an extraction is necessary.
Before the extraction, we may give you local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth, or in some cases, general anesthesia if multiple teeth are being extracted or if the patient has a strong phobia of dental procedures. During the extraction, special tools will be used to loosen the tooth and carefully remove it from the socket. In some cases, the tooth may need to be broken into smaller pieces to make it easier to extract. After the tooth has been removed, the dentist will close the socket with stitches and may place a gauze pad over the area to control bleeding.
Tooth extractions may be necessary for a variety of circumstances, including:
- Crowding: When there is not enough room in the mouth to accommodate all of the teeth, an extraction may be necessary to create space for orthodontic treatment.
- Decay: When a tooth is so damaged by decay that it cannot be saved, an extraction may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection to other parts of the mouth.
- Gum disease: If gum disease has caused a significant loss of supporting bone, an extraction may be necessary to prevent the tooth from becoming loose and unstable.
- Impacted wisdom teeth: Wisdom teeth can often become impacted, or stuck, in the jaw, causing pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth. In these cases, an extraction may be necessary to prevent further complications.
- Orthodontic treatment: In some cases, extractions may be necessary to create enough space for orthodontic treatment, such as braces or Invisalign.
- Cysts or tumors: If a cyst or tumor develops around a tooth, an extraction may be necessary to prevent further damage to the surrounding jawbone and tissue.
- Severe injury: If a tooth is severely damaged as a result of an injury, such as a sports injury, an extraction may be necessary to prevent further damage and to preserve the health of the surrounding teeth.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
After the extraction, you will be given instructions on how to care for the extraction site and manage any discomfort. Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can be used to manage any discomfort, but you should avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, and vigorous rinsing or spitting for the first few days after the extraction to minimize the risk of dry socket. It’s important to follow our instructions carefully to promote proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. In most cases, the extraction site will fully heal within 7-10 days, but it’s important to continue to attend regular check-ups with your dentist to monitor your oral health and ensure that your mouth is healing properly.
We understand that the thought of a tooth extraction or removal can be daunting. That’s why our team of professionals is dedicated to making the process as comfortable and stress-free as possible. With years of experience, our dental specialists are equipped to effectively conduct tooth extractions, ensuring the proper procedure and a successful outcome. Our top priority is your comfort and well-being, so you can trust that we will do everything in our power to make the process as smooth and painless as possible. At Enhance Dental, you can feel confident in your dental care and the health of your smile. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
