Tooth Extractions

When is tooth extraction necessary?

At Smiles in Springfield, saving your natural teeth is always the top priority. Advancements in dental technology have led to restorative options that were simply unimaginable in recent decades. 

That said, there are cases in which a tooth cannot be saved, and extraction becomes the best available treatment path. Some reasons why you might need a tooth pulled include:

• Advanced dental decay
• Crowding
• Traumatic injury
• A tooth broken at the gumline
• To facilitate orthodontic treatment

Wisdom teeth removal is another common cause of tooth extraction. If your wisdom teeth are impacted or there simply isn’t enough room for them in your bite, extraction may be necessary.

What happens during tooth extraction?

You receive numbing medication prior to your procedure, so there is no pain associated with tooth extraction. If you have dental anxiety, be sure to speak with your dentist prior to your appointment. There are ways to address anxiety and make your procedure easier. 

Once the treatment area is numb, your Smiles in Springfield dentist uses a device to grasp the tooth and move it in a back-and-forth rocking motion. Once the connection between tooth and bone is weakened, the tooth can be removed from its socket. 

If your tooth has not erupted through your gums or is broken at the gumline, your extraction will require a simple oral surgery. Your dentist opens your gum tissue to access the tooth and then dislodges it from your jawbone. In some cases, the tooth is broken into smaller pieces to facilitate removal. 

What is recovery like after a tooth extraction?

You receive full recovery instructions prior to your procedure. Following those guidelines is a critical part of a successful recovery. 

You need to avoid placing undue strain on your gums as they heal. A blood clot forms immediately after an extraction, and that clot needs to stay in place as the healing process moves forward. Don’t smoke, rinse your mouth vigorously, drink from a straw, or do anything else that changes the pressure in your mouth. 

If you have additional questions about the tooth extraction process, feel free to call the office or book an appointment online.