Tooth Extraction

Tooth extractions are necessary when the tooth has become badly damaged by decay or disease as well as for wisdom teeth. Tooth extractions are performed at Smile Dental of Lakewood by dentists who are trained in dealing with the teeth, gums, bone and ligaments.

DO YOU NEED A TOOTH EXTRACTION?

Common reasons for tooth extraction include:

• Decay
• Damage due to accident or trauma
• Gum disease
• Create space for teeth
• Improve alignment
• To remove extra teeth (wisdom teeth)
• Certain medical conditions

WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL

One of the most common forms of tooth extraction is of the wisdom teeth, also known as third molars. These are typically removed while they are still growing in adolescents and young adults. They should be removed simply when they begin to cause issues such as damage to your other teeth, pain, bite issues, swelling or infections. As the teeth grow in, they can cause significant pain when they break the surface of the gum and shift other teeth to make room. Some people may never have their wisdom teeth erupt because there is no room. If they are not causing you any problems, Dr. Yang may choose to just keep an eye on them. With other cases, we may see that having them removed right away will prevent obvious issues in the future.

TOOTH EXTRACTION: WHAT TO EXPECT

A tooth extraction is a fairly simple procedure. At the time of surgery, we will numb the area around the tooth or teeth to be extracted with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. You may experience some pressure while your dentist rocks the tooth back and forth to loosen it for removal but should not feel pain. If you do feel any pain, please let us know.

After the tooth is extracted, a crucial part of the healing process is biting down on some gauze so that a blood clot can form. We ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes after the appointment. In most cases a small amount of bleeding is normal for up to 24 hours.

You may feel some pain and experience some swelling after the tooth is extracted. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen vegetables applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours. The extraction site will close up in about two weeks.

TOOTH REPLACEMENT OPTIONS

After a tooth is extracted, Dr. Yang will recommend replacing it as soon as possible. The dental restoration he will recommend is different for each patient. If the patient qualifies for a dental implant, this will be the number one option. Implants are the most natural-looking and advanced solution when compared to other teeth restorations. In most cases, our dentists are able to perform extractions and place dental implants, sometimes in one visit, right in our Lakewood Smile Dental office.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

If you believe you may need a tooth extraction or need wisdom teeth removed, call Smile Dental of Lakewood to schedule a consultation with one of our well qualified dentists.