Why Do We Take Out Teeth?
As we touched on briefly above, damage too severe to address with a crown means the tooth should be removed before complications arise, such as serious infections. An advanced infection that is too severe to be treated with a root canal means the tooth needs to be removed to prevent the spread of infection to other teeth. We also extract teeth loosened by gum disease, or to help people with major misalignment by making room to reposition the rest of the smile. The most common reason however, is to address wisdom teeth. As we approach adulthood, up to four new molars, known as wisdom teeth, could erupt. When this happens, it could cause dental misalignment, infection, discomfort, and partial eruption known as impaction. Taking these teeth out before they erupt preserves the health and beauty of you or your child’s smile.
The Extraction Process
First, we will administer a local anesthetic to the area where the extraction will take place. We often also offer sedation to ensure the patient remains calm and comfortable throughout the procedure. We then gently remove the teeth with forceps. With wisdom teeth, we may need to open the area of the gums above them. Following removal, we suture the area closed and send you home with detailed aftercare instructions and any necessary prescriptions for medication.
Recovery and Tooth Replacement
The entire healing process takes about a week, and for the first day or two you should avoid strenuous exercise, eat only soft food items, and avoid using straws. Don’t prod the extraction site with your tongue, and avoid alcoholic drinks and mouthwash. You still need to brush and floss, but do so gently. When you return for a follow-up visit, we will remove the sutures. If you have wisdom teeth removed, there is no need for further action. But losing teeth to gum disease, injury, or infection mean you likely have exposed gaps in your smile, and we can fill these with dental bridges, dental implants, or even partial dentures.
Greenhaven Family Dental Provides Safe Dental Extraction
Greenhaven Family Dental is ready to help you maintain optimal oral health and avoid serious complications by removing infected or damaged teeth, or addressing wisdom teeth before they erupt. If you’d like to learn more about our approach to dental restorations and tooth replacement, then you can contact Greenhaven Family Dental in Baxter, MN at 218-454-0523.