Safe, gentle tooth removal with your comfort as our top priority. Sedation options available for anxiety-free care.
The main goal of dentistry is to preserve your natural teeth and keep them healthy for as long as possible. There are times, however, when it is in your best interest to have a tooth extracted (removed). This could be the case for a variety of reasons: perhaps you have a tooth that has been severely damaged by trauma or decay, an impacted wisdom tooth that may cause trouble later on, or crowding that needs to be addressed before orthodontic treatment.
Whatever the reason, tooth extraction is more often than not a very routine procedure. How straightforward this minor surgery is will depend on where the tooth is located in the mouth and what its roots are like. For example, a front tooth with a single straight root is easier to remove than a molar with multiple roots.
Tooth extraction is nothing to be feared when done by an experienced hand. A tooth is attached to the bone via a network of fibers that form what's known as the periodontal ligament. By carefully manipulating the tooth, these fibers can be detached and the tooth freed without much trouble.
The first step in any extraction is a radiographic (x-ray) examination to assess the position of the tooth roots and the condition of the surrounding bone. This allows any possible complications to be anticipated. A thorough medical and drug history is taken to ensure you are healthy enough to undergo the procedure.
Tooth extraction is usually carried out with local anesthesia, which will numb the teeth to be removed and the surrounding bone and gum tissues. Additional sedatives might also be used, including oral sedatives (taken in pill form), nitrous oxide (which is inhaled), and/or IV conscious sedation for more complicated procedures.
As your tooth is being removed, steps are taken to ensure the bone that surrounds it isn't damaged. Sometimes, a small amount of bone-grafting material is placed into the socket to help preserve the bone volume. This is particularly important when the extraction will be followed by the placement of a dental implant.
Immediately after your tooth is extracted, the socket will be covered with sterile gauze; gentle pressure will be applied for 10-20 minutes to control any bleeding. Small sutures (stitches) might also be used. It's normal to experience some mild to moderate post-operative discomfort and/or swelling.
Taking non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen on the day of surgery should control most symptoms. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to ensure infection-free healing. Using ice packs on the outside of your jaw and eating softer foods until you feel more comfortable can also be helpful. Within a few days, all should be back to normal.
We understand that dental procedures can cause anxiety. That's why we offer multiple sedation options to ensure your comfort:
Laughing gas for mild relaxation during your procedure.
A pill taken before your appointment for moderate relaxation.
Deep sedation for complex procedures or high anxiety.
Our experienced team provides safe, comfortable extractions with sedation options available. Schedule your consultation today.
