Tooth Extractions

A Safe and Easy Procedure

Man looking at his teethTooth extractions can seem to be a bit of a daunting procedure if you have never undergone one. We remind all patients that it is a routine, low-risk procedure that is painless when performed by an experienced dentist or oral surgeon. The recovery process after a tooth extraction is usually simple and straightforward.

Mountain Shadows Dental can perform some extractions in our office, but we may refer you to an oral surgeon in some situations.

Reasons For a Tooth Extraction

One of the most common reasons for a tooth extraction procedure is wisdom teeth removal. Sometimes patients need to extract their wisdom teeth because they have impacted teeth or crowding.

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.

The Tooth Extraction Procedure

A tooth extraction usually only takes a few minutes and can be completed by either an experienced dentist or oral surgeon.

  1. The dentist or oral surgeon will have previously taken x-rays of the teeth and will go over the process with you.
  2. The dentist will use a local numbing agent for the tooth, gum, and bone.
  3. As the extraction begins, you should feel only pressure, not pain.
  4. In most cases, the dentist will remove the tooth using only applied pressure, rather than using surgical intervention.

The Extraction Recovery Process

Your dentist will give you instructions to help you understand how to properly care for the extraction site in the hours and days following tooth removal. These instructions usually include changing out gauze to help stop bleeding.

If you are feeling 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 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 Firestone

If you are located in or around Firestone and are feeling dental pain or think you might need an extraction, don’t hesitate to contact Mountain Shadows Dental. We can get you set up with a consultation. Depending on the situation, we may end up referring you to an oral surgeon. To set up an appointment, contact us today!