We Make You Comfortable When Extractions Are Needed

Why is Tooth Extraction Necessary?

The decision to remove a tooth is not one that we’ll ever make lightly. That said, there are generally some very specific situations where the procedure must be considered. The most common is when a tooth has suffered from extreme damage. This might be due to an injury, or it could be a consequence of untreated decay. In either case, while there are options for repairing or treating the tooth (such as crowns or root canal therapy), they might not be viable under certain circumstances. For instance, if a crown has completely broken off and the remainder of the tooth is below the gum line, it might not be possible to place a restoration. Other reasons might include the following:

• An overcrowded mouth where there’s not enough room for braces to properly align the teeth.
• An infection that does not respond to root canal therapy or antibiotics.
• A tooth is at risk for infection when your immune system is severely compromised.

The Tooth Extraction Process

You’ll be given a local anesthetic at the beginning of the treatment, so you won’t have to worry about pain or discomfort during the extraction. The next step depends on what kind of extraction needs to be performed. If the tooth is visible in your mouth, the process is quite simple; we need to loosen it with a special instrument before removing it altogether. For teeth that are trapped beneath the gums, surgery is required to remove the tissue that is in the way. Once the tooth has been exposed, we can gently loosen it with forceps. However, some teeth are particularly hard to remove and must be divided into pieces first.

Immediately following the treatment, we’ll have you bite down on a gauze bag to stop the bleeding. This allows a blood clot to form, protecting the exposed socket while your mouth heals.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

We’ll give you more specific aftercare instructions following the procedure. In general, you should take painkillers as prescribed. It’s a good idea to use an ice pack to keep swelling to a minimum. Rest for at least 24 hours after the extraction and try to limit activity for the next day or two. Avoid drinking from a straw, as it might dislodge the blood clot.

Tooth Extractions FAQs

We only get one set of pearly whites in our lifetime. Although you may do everything in your power to preserve them, there are instances where a hurting tooth cannot be salvaged. Fortunately, that’s where tooth extractions come in to save the day. By removing a damaged or decayed tooth, we can restore your oral health so you can enjoy a problem-free smile. At Bartusiak Dental Care of Washington, we understand that getting a tooth pulled can sound intimidating. To ease your nerves, we’ve decided to answer some frequently asked patient questions.