Tooth Extractions – Reynoldsburg, OH

Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary

Before recommending any procedure, we will always complete a thorough examination of your smile and consider the specifics of your situation. We may suggest a tooth extraction if:

• You have a severely infected tooth.
• You have a damaged tooth that is too weak for a crown.
• You have overly crowded teeth that are preventing you from undergoing orthodontic treatment.
• You are planning on replacing your failing teeth with dentures.

Note that a tooth extraction is considered a last resort. If it’s still possible to restore your oral health while leaving all of your natural teeth in place, we will let you know.

The Process of Removing a Tooth

Teeth can be removed using one of two methods: simple extraction or surgical extraction. The kind of extraction performed in your case will depend on the state of the tooth in question. Here’s a brief look at both types of tooth removal:

• A simple extraction can be performed on teeth that have successfully erupted from beneath the gums and are currently visible in your mouth. To carry out a simple extraction, we will loosen the tooth with an instrument called a dental elevator. Then we will gently rock the tooth back and forth until it reaches the point where it can be taken out of the socket.
• A surgical extraction is needed when the tooth is trapped under the gums or has been unable to fully erupt. To get to the tooth, an incision will need to be made in the gums, and a small amount of bone tissue might need to be taken out. It may be necessary to remove the tooth in sections rather than all at once.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

To make sure there aren’t any problems while your mouth is recovering from a tooth extraction, be sure to:

• Avoid doing anything that could dislodge the protective blood clot that has formed at the surgical site; this includes smoking, using a straw, or spitting.
• Keep your head elevated whenever you lie down.
• Maintain a diet of soft foods such as scrambled eggs or mashed potatoes.
• Use over-the-counter medication to manage any discomfort that you might be experiencing.