Tooth Extractions
A Safe Procedure that Prevents Future Complications
The thought of a tooth extraction may sound a little scary, in reality it is a routine, low-risk procedure that is painless when performed by an experienced dentist or oral surgeon. The recovery after a tooth extraction is usually very simple.
Do I Need a Tooth Extraction?
Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common extraction procedures. However, there are many cases when a dentist will recommend tooth extraction because of severe tooth decay. In these cases, an extraction will prevent infection and relieve discomfort.
Sometimes patients need an extraction because they have impacted teeth or crowding, which is often the case with wisdom teeth.
The Extraction Procedure
In most cases, a tooth extraction is a very straightforward procedure that only takes a few minutes and can be completed by either an experienced dentist or oral surgeon.
- The dentist or oral surgeon will have previously taken x-rays of the teeth and will explain the process to you.
- The dentist will use a local numbing agent for the tooth, gum, and bone. You can stay awake during this procedure, unless you prefer sedation. A dentist may also recommend sedation if you have anxiety or are having multiple teeth removed.
- As the extraction begins, you should feel only pressure, not pain.
- In most cases, the dentist will remove the tooth using only applied pressure, rather than using surgical intervention.
The Extraction Recovery Process
You’ll leave the dentist office with a set of instructions to understand how you should care for the extraction site in the hours and days following tooth removal. This usually involves changing out gauze to help minimize bleeding in the first hours.
If you are experiencing pain, your dentist or oral surgeon may prescribe medicine to give you some relief in the days following the procedure. The gums should fully heal in a matter of weeks, as long as the extraction site is kept clean. Once healed, you may be interested in replacing the missing tooth with an implant, bridge, or denture.
Schedule a Tooth Extraction Consultation in Colorado Springs!
If you live in or around Colorado Springs and believe you may need an extraction, don’t hesitate to contact All Smiles Dental Group. We can set you up with an oral surgeon consultation to assess your case. In some cases we may refer you out to our partners at Colorado Oral Surgery Group. To set up an appointment fill out a form online.