we provide comfortable tooth extractions to protect oral health

When a tooth is severely damaged and unable to be repaired with conservative treatments, your Denver dentist may recommend a tooth extraction. Undergoing a tooth extraction in a timely manner is important to protect your oral health. When decay is left unaddressed, it can spread to surrounding teeth and gums and increase your risk for gum disease and other health issues.

Tooth extractions are sometimes necessary to create adequate spacing for patients with small mouths experiencing dental misalignment.

In addition, most patients benefit from wisdom teeth extractions. The wisdom teeth are the last molars to erupt, usually around the age of 17. These teeth can be hard to keep clean and put you at risk for future decay. They can also cause crowding of your other teeth, leading to bite and chewing issues. Crowded, crooked teeth also affect the beauty of your smile.

At Metropolitan Dental Care, our dentists use gentle, proven methods to ensure a comfortable extraction, a smooth recovery, and successful results. All patients will receive a local anesthetic to numb the affected area(s). Depending on each individual’s needs and the type of extraction, your dentist may offer other sedation options.

When you have fully recovered from your tooth extraction, we can provide you with a tooth replacement to restore your smile. This could include a dental bridge or a dental implant-supported crown or bridge.

types of extractions

During your examination, the dentist will perform x-rays using state-of-the-art digital technology. This allows him to determine the exact location of teeth below the gum line, as well as identify the extent of damage when infection is present. He will then format your treatment plan with your input based on your specific needs.

The type of extraction will depend on whether your tooth is erupted or impacted.

For teeth that are erupted or only partially impacted, the dentist can perform a simple extraction. Before removal of your tooth, you will receive a local anesthetic numbs the tooth and surrounding tissue. The dentist will then use special dental instruments to loosen the tooth and lift it from the socket, being careful to remove the tooth in one piece.

Fully impacted teeth require a lengthier and more complex procedure. After administration of anesthesia, the dentist will make an incision in the gum line. He will then remove any tissue to gain access to the tooth. Using the same dental instruments as in a simple extraction, the dentist will loosen the tooth from the socket and gently lift it out.

Complex extractions typically require sutures. While most sutures are dissolvable, others may need require removal at a later date. Your dentist will inform you of the type administered and if you need to return for suture removal.

your recovery

After removal of your tooth, the dentist will place gauze over the empty socket. You will be encouraged to bite down for 30 to 45 minutes. This applies pressure to help slow the bleeding. Before you leave our office, we will give you extra gauze so you can change it out as needed.

If bleeding persists, you should continue applying pressure for another 30 to 45 minutes until it has subsided. If bleeding continues after this, call our office for instructions.

You should expect post-op swelling, soreness, and bruising. Regular application of ice will help reduce pain and swelling. Ice should be applied to the outer jaw every hour and should stay in place for 20 minutes. The more often you ice, the less swelling and pain you will experience.

Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen and Tylenol, are highly encouraged to help with the pain. If additional pain medication is necessary, we can prescribe a stronger medication to improve your comfort.

There are a few things that should be avoided for the first few days to prevent painful dry sockets, such as:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Smoking
• Drinking fluids from a straw
• Spitting

Things you can do to improve outcomes include:

• Rinsing with warm salt water several times a day
• Brushing gently twice a day
• Taking any antibiotics prescribed
• Using mouth rinse, if provided, as directed
• Keeping the surgical site clean
• Eating soft foods until the gums are healed
• Following any other post-op instructions provided to you

If you are experiencing severe or prolonged tooth pain, you may have a serious dental issue that could lead to the need for tooth extraction if ignored. Don’t put off seeing a dentist, which can end up costing you more in expense and pain.

Contact our Denver, CO, office today online or call (303) 534-2626 to schedule your consultation.