Tooth Extractions
GENTLE, PAIN-FREE TREATMENT
Tooth Extractions at Pax Dental
There are many reasons a patient may need a tooth extraction. If you have advanced gum disease, a serious tooth infection, or your wisdom teeth are erupting improperly, an extraction will remove the issue and give you a fresh start with a space for a replacement tooth. We offer gentle, pain-free extractions as well as restorative options once your gums heal after treatment.
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WHY EXTRACTIONS ARE NECESSARY
Common Reasons for Tooth Removal
The most common reason for tooth extractions is the improper growth of wisdom teeth. When these third molars erupt during a patient’s late teens or early 20s, extraction may be necessary if they are causing oral health problems as they grow in. Beyond this, tooth extraction is often required to prepare for an orthodontic or surgical procedure, like a dental implant. If a tooth is infected and cannot be saved by root canal therapy, or if you are suffering from advanced gum disease (periodontitis), extraction may be the beginning of your restorative care.
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PROBLEMATIC WISDOM TEETH
Do I Need a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Wisdom teeth are the final four molars in our mouths, which typically erupt between the ages of 17-25. While wisdom teeth are a natural part of our growth, many people do not have enough space in their mouths for this last set of molars. This means that wisdom teeth often grow in improperly and become impacted (unable to fully erupt from the gum), or they can cause overcrowding with the rest of your teeth. This can result in damage to your bite and force your teeth to shift. Wisdom teeth don’t always require extraction, but if you notice that you are experiencing discomfort or a change in your bite as they erupt, schedule a consultation at Pax Dental.
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SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
When a wisdom tooth cannot fully erupt from the gums, this is known as impaction. The symptoms of impaction include redness and swelling around the tooth, jaw pain, tender or bleeding gums, bad breath, or difficulty opening your mouth. If you notice these symptoms, call Pax Dental today to schedule a consultation and have one of our qualified dentists take a look to see if an extraction may be right for you.
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WHAT TO EXPECT
The Tooth Extraction Process
When you come in for an extraction, one of our dentists will begin the process by cleaning and numbing your mouth. Then, a specialized tool called a dental elevator is used to loosen the tooth in its socket. After this, the tooth is gently pulled out by its root. The area is then cleaned and disinfected again, and sutured shut. This process typically takes only about 5 minutes per tooth, and our advanced numbing agents and sedatives ensure that you feel no anxiety or discomfort throughout the entire process.
How long will it take for me to recover from a tooth extraction?
Plan to take it easy for 48-72 hours after your extraction. Thankfully, if your extraction was fueled by a toothache, you’ll notice immediate relief from that pain. We’ll send you home with detailed post-op instructions and make sure you understand what to expect following your procedure.
Can I eat/drink right after my extraction?
Following an extraction, we’ll ask you to stick to soft foods and liquids for about a day. Make sure to avoid hard and sticky foods until you’re fully healed.
Do you offer emergency appointments?
Yes. If you’re in pain, contact us. We offer comprehensive emergency dental services, including extractions, for situations just like this.