When problematic teeth are causing you pain and discomfort, remember that you have options. The goal is always to preserve your natural teeth, but sometimes extractions are the best way to go to save your smile.
Why might I need an extraction?
Unhealthy or problematic teeth aren’t good for your oral health. Our team will always try to save your natural teeth, but sometimes a simple, painless tooth extraction is the best way to get your smile back on track. There are many reasons why a patient may need a tooth extracted. Wisdom teeth tend to cause discomfort that can be alleviated with extractions while some advanced restorative procedures, like dental implants, require the removal of unhealthy teeth. With a gentle technique and local anesthesia or sedation options, teeth extractions can be quick and painless.
Did you know…
Healing time after an extraction is typically 1-2 weeks.
Get To The Root Of The Problem
With digital x-rays, we get high-resolution images of your teeth that allow us to make more accurate diagnoses. When you’re in pain or experiencing an emergency, we can see why the tooth is reacting and if an extraction is needed.
Sedation For Maximum Comfort
We know extractions can feel scary, so let’s take the fear out of your treatment. Laughing Gas sedation can mitigate your anxiety and keep you calm during your procedure.
We Extract Pesky Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth often cause pain and discomfort when they begin to erupt. If you find yourself dealing with unexplained headaches and jaw pain, come in for an appointment to see if you’re wisdom teeth could be the culprit.
Before & After
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The Benefits of Dental Extractions
Eliminates Pain
From achy wisdom teeth to severe damage, extractions can get you out of pain quickly.
Treatment Prep
Extractions remove problematic teeth and clear the way for prosthodontics, like dental implants or dentures.
Better Oral Health
Removing problematic or painful teeth can improve your oral and overall health.
The Extraction Process
Treatment Plan
Whether you need a one off extraction or several teeth removed in preparation for additional services, your treatment plan is created specifically for you and your needs. You doctor will discuss all options and give you the final sign off so we can get your smile back on track in the way that makes you most comfortable.
Procedure Prep
After cleaning and sanitizing the site, your doctor will numb the area with local anesthesia. Depending on your case, you may only need local anesthesia for your extraction. The goal is to make you as comfortable as possible during treatment, so you may choose a sedation option as well. Sedation can help you relax and relieve anxiety during your procedure.
Extraction & Healing
The extraction itself usually only takes a few minutes. Once the tooth has been pulled, your dentist will clean the area and suture the extraction site if necessary. Recovery typically takes 1-2 weeks. Your doctor will provide you with a comprehensive set of instructions to help your mouth heal as quickly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are extractions covered by insurance?
Extractions that are required to remove impacted wisdom teeth, or damaged or decayed teeth, are typically covered by insurance. To fully understand your coverage and benefits, we recommend that you contact your insurance provider.
Will I be in pain after my extraction and how long does it take to heal?
Thanks to numbing and sedation treatments, you won’t feel any pain or discomfort during or immediately after your extraction procedure. However, symptoms such as pain, discomfort, swelling, bruising, and bleeding may begin to arise within a few hours following your extraction. While these symptoms tend to peak within the first 2-3 days, they will begin to fade as you continue to heal. Make sure to eat a diet of mostly soft foods for about 5-7 days after your treatment to prevent impact and agitation.
It will take about 1-2 weeks to completely heal from the extraction. By carefully following the recovery instructions provided to you by your dentist, you can enhance the healing progress. It is not normal to endure severe pain and discomfort 1-2 weeks after your extraction, so contact your dentist for a follow-up appointment if you are experiencing these symptoms.
When is tooth extraction necessary?
Tooth extractions may be necessary for patients suffering from an extremely severe cavity, severe damage from oral trauma, or an infected tooth that cannot be saved with root canal therapy. In most cases, it is possible to save your tooth with a crown or root canal therapy, but sometimes an extraction may be your only option.
Improper wisdom teeth growth is the most common reason for tooth extractions. If your dentist sees that your wisdom teeth are impacted or failing to erupt properly, an extraction may be recommended to ensure that your other teeth remain healthy. Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth to be removed, however. Consult with your dentist to find out if your wisdom teeth are or will be a problem.
A tooth extraction may be required if severe periodontal disease is compromising the health of the tooth, causing it to loosen from the gums. Your dentist may want to extract these teeth to prepare you for a strong and long-lasting tooth replacement option, such as dental implants or dentures.