No one likes hearing they might need a tooth extraction. However, tooth removal is sometimes necessary to preserve overall oral health. Using gentle techniques, Dr. Conder performs this procedure at Luck Dental Clinic in Luck, WI. With years of experience in the dental field, Dr. Conder provides top-tier, compassionate care for families in our community.
When is Tooth Extraction Necessary?
As dental professionals, we prefer to save natural teeth whenever possible. There are, however, a few instances when tooth extraction is the most predictable avenue. For example, tooth removal may be necessary if a patient has:
- Deep decay: Large cavities that extend into the pulp of a tooth may require tooth removal.
- A large fracture: If a tooth has a crack that extends all the way to the tip of the root, an extraction will likely be recommended.
- Gum disease: The leading cause of tooth loss, periodontal disease erodes the bone that supports the teeth. As the pockets around the roots become deeper, the teeth become more mobile, resulting in eventual tooth loss.
- Overcrowding: Patients who have overcrowded teeth may require extractions before orthodontic treatment can be performed. This will create more room in the jawbone and make the teeth straightening process more predictable.
- An increased risk of infection: If a particular tooth carries a high risk for infection, we may recommend extracting it proactively to preserve your oral health.
Types of Tooth Extractions
Whether you require one extraction or several, our skilled and experienced team can help walk you through the process. At Luck Dental Clinic, we offer:
- Single tooth extraction: Whether you have a large cavity or a significant fracture, Dr. Conder can extract the damaged tooth to prevent problems from spreading to adjacent teeth.
- Multiple or full-mouth extractions: Individuals with significant dental damage may need to have several teeth removed. Additionally, we can also perform full-mouth extractions for those receiving dentures.
- Wisdom teeth extractions: Most dentists agree that removing wisdom teeth in the late teens or early twenties can help reduce the risk for complications later on.
Tooth Extraction Treatment Process
At Luck Dental Clinic, every treatment plan is fully personalized according to the needs of the individual. However, the general steps for tooth extraction are essentially the same. First, Dr. Conder numbs the affected tooth and surrounding gums with local anesthesia. This will ensure your comfort throughout your procedure. Next, the tooth will be carefully loosened before being lifted from the socket. If the tooth is weak or broken off at the gum line, Dr. Conder may divide the tooth into sections for easier removal. Once the tooth is extracted, a blood clot will form in the socket. This will aid in the natural healing process and prevent a dry socket from developing. If necessary, stitches may be placed over the site.
Healing and Recovery
Following tooth extraction, patients can expect some degree of tenderness and swelling. These side effects can be mitigated with over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen. Swelling and inflammation can be reduced with the use of cold compresses, which can be applied to the outer jaw in 20-minutes increments.
In most cases, patients can return to work within a couple of days. Individuals should avoid strenuous activity for at least 48 hours after the procedure. Elevating the heart rate can result in increased bleeding, swelling, and discomfort during recovery.
We recommend eating a soft food diet for the first few days. In addition, patients should avoid drinking through straws for at least one week, as this could cause the blood clot to become dislodged.
Dr. Conder will provide you with a set of comprehensive post-operative guidelines. Following these instructions will help you enjoy a swift and comfortable recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, our Luck team will ensure that your tooth extraction isn’t painful. We’ll numb your tooth and the surrounding area prior to extraction so you won’t feel a thing. Many patients tend to avoid tooth extractions due to fear of pain, resulting in further damage. But rest assured, we’ll monitor you throughout your procedure to make sure you’re comfortable and pain-free.
You may experience some discomfort following the extraction. Any pain should be minimal and it can be managed with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen as well as utilizing a cold compress.
Tooth extractions are typically quick procedures that can be completed in just one appointment. If you’re in need of multiple tooth extractions, you’ll likely need to schedule multiple visits to our Luck office.
The exact treatment time depends on the details of your procedure. For a more accurate time frame, we recommend scheduling a consultation with our Luck dentist. During this consultation, we’ll examine your oral health, take x-rays, and create a customized treatment plan that will include a timeline.
Typically, you can eat right after your tooth extraction, but make sure to stick with soft and mild foods for the first few days. Crunchy, spicy, or very hot foods may irritate your surgical site and can lead to infections or complications.
Some safe foods that you can eat for the first few days after your extraction include yogurt, pudding, oatmeal, Jell-O, and mashed potatoes. As long as the food isn’t too hot and is easy to chew, it should be fine. As you heal, you can start slowly adding your regular foods back into your diet.