No one wants to have a tooth extracted, but from time to time it may be in the best interest of his or her oral health to have the procedure completed. An extraction may be due to many different factors: impacted wisdom teeth, severely broken or decayed teeth, orthodontic therapy, or emergencies. In the event that a tooth is not restorable, extracting the tooth can prevent spread of infection, cavities, or complications to other teeth in the mouth.
A patient’s primary concern during their procedure is their level of comfort. During an extraction, Dr. López uses local anesthetic to numb the area of the mouth that is to be treated. We can also utilize nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help patients relax more deeply while they are here for their care. Our goal is to keep our patients as comfortable as possible.
After having a tooth removed, it’s important to follow your care instructions very carefully so as to prevent complications like dry socket, a painful condition that can take quite some time to heal. Some of these measures include not smoking or drinking through a straw, as these interfere with clot formation. We’ll provide you with oral and written instructions, as well as be just a phone call away should you ever need anything.
Once you’ve had a tooth removed, it’s also important to think about tooth replacement options after the area has healed (unless the extraction was for orthodontic or wisdom teeth purposes.) Replacing your tooth will prevent nearby teeth from shifting out of place, creating areas that collect food or wear prematurely. Some popular forms of tooth replacement include dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures.
Having your treatment completed as soon as possible will avoid complications or emergencies when you least expect them. Most extraction procedures require only a short appointment time and you’ll be able to return to work or school the next day. They can also be combined with other dental treatments to accommodate your personal schedule.