Tooth Extractions
Why Do I Need to Have My Tooth Removed?
In general, teeth are removed to preserve oral health and prevent further damage to other healthy teeth and gum tissue, and we only do this when absolute necessity. Reasons include:
- Excessive tooth decay
- Tooth infection
- Crowding of teeth
- Making room for shifting teeth during orthodontic treatment
Extraction and Post-Op Care
The extraction of a tooth is a relatively simple procedure, though it will vary in complexity depending on whether the tooth is through the gumline or impacted (under the gumline).
Patients’ comfort during these procedures is a top priority. For most tooth removals, local anesthesia is all that is needed. For more complicated procedures, patients can receive intravenous sedation.
The actual process involves removing the tooth and then suturing the area as needed.
Following the procedure, patients need to avoid using a straw, smoking, and consuming hard or crunchy foods, and they must take prescribed medications as directed by their doctor. Most patients return to normal activities after a few days.