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Losing a tooth is never an easy experience. Whether it’s due to decay, damage, or overcrowding, having a tooth removed from a dental extraction can seem overwhelming. While this procedure sounds daunting, understanding the process and the reasons behind it can ease any concerns, as extractions are often necessary to protect your overall oral health or prepare for treatments like braces or implants.
At Enso Dental Arts, Dr. Hiruma and her team approach extractions with precision and care, ensuring your comfort every step of the way. With advanced tools and techniques, we make the process as seamless as possible while preserving the surrounding teeth and gums. If you’re considering an extraction or have been advised to have one, we’re here to guide you through it with clarity and compassion. Also, if you’re nervous about having the procedure done, our therapy dog, Oreo, would love to hang out with you prior to your extraction.
Dental extractions are performed for several reasons, all with the goal of improving oral health. The most common reason is severe decay. When a tooth becomes so damaged by cavities that it cannot be restored with fillings or crowns, removal may be the only option. This prevents the decay from spreading to nearby teeth and gums.
Another frequent reason for extractions is crowding. Sometimes, patients need a tooth removed to create space for orthodontic treatment or to ensure other teeth align correctly. Removing a problematic tooth can prevent alignment issues later in life. Additionally, wisdom teeth, often the last to emerge, can grow improperly or cause pain, necessitating removal to protect the health of the surrounding teeth.
Infections and trauma can also lead to extractions. A tooth that has sustained significant damage due to an accident or advanced gum disease may need to be removed. Infections that cannot be controlled with antibiotics may also require extractions to avoid complications, such as the spread of infection to other areas of the body.
First, one of the dentists from our team at Enso Dental Arts will take a detailed look at the tooth and surrounding area, often using X-rays to determine the best approach. Once a plan is in place, the area is numbed with a local anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel pain during the procedure.
There are two main types of extractions: simple and surgical. Simple extractions are performed on visible and accessible teeth. We will loosen the tooth with a tool called an elevator and carefully remove it using forceps. Surgical extractions, on the other hand, are slightly more complex. They may involve making an incision in the gum or removing bone to access the tooth, sectioning a tooth, especially if it is impacted.
After the tooth is removed, we clean the area and place gauze to control bleeding. Stitches may be necessary for restorative extractions. You’ll be provided with postoperative instructions to ensure proper healing, including tips on managing pain, reducing swelling, and keeping the site clean to prevent infection. Dr. Hiruma and her team are committed to ensuring you stay safe, educated, and protected every step of the way during your extraction.
Recovery after an extraction is a crucial phase for ensuring the success of the procedure. You can expect some swelling and mild discomfort in the first few days. These symptoms are normal and typically subside with over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses.
You’ll also need to adjust your diet temporarily. Soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soups are recommended while the site heals. Make sure you avoid drinking through a straw, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket, leading to a painful condition called dry socket.
Maintaining oral hygiene is critical during recovery, but you’ll need to be gentle around the extraction site. Continue brushing and flossing other areas of your mouth and rinse with a warm saltwater solution as directed. Most people can return to their normal routine within a week, but it’s essential to attend any follow-up appointments to ensure the site is healing properly.
From achy wisdom teeth to severe damage, extractions can get you out of pain quickly.
Extractions remove problematic teeth and clear the way for prosthodontics, like dental implants or dentures.
Removing problematic or painful teeth can improve your oral and overall health.
Whether you need a one off extraction or several teeth removed in preparation for additional services, your treatment plan is created specifically for you and your needs. You doctor will discuss all options and give you the final sign off so we can get your smile back on track in the way that makes you most comfortable.
After cleaning and sanitizing the site, your doctor will numb the area with local anesthesia. Depending on your case, you may only need local anesthesia for your extraction. The goal is to make you as comfortable as possible during your Albertson restorative dentistry treatment, so you may choose a sedation option as well. Sedation can help you relax and relieve anxiety during your procedure.
The extraction itself usually only takes a few minutes. Once the tooth has been pulled, your dentist will clean the area and suture the extraction site if necessary. Recovery typically takes 1-2 weeks. Your doctor will provide you with a comprehensive set of instructions to help your mouth heal as quickly as possible.
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
Thanks to numbing and sedation treatments, you won’t feel any pain or discomfort during or immediately after your extraction procedure. However, symptoms such as pain, discomfort, swelling, bruising, and bleeding may begin to arise within a few hours following your extraction. While these symptoms tend to peak within the first 2-3 days, they will begin to fade as you continue to heal. Make sure to eat a diet of mostly soft foods for about 5-7 days after your treatment to prevent impact and agitation.It will take about 1-2 weeks to completely heal from the extraction. By carefully following the recovery instructions provided to you by your dentist, you can enhance the healing progress. It is not normal to endure severe pain and discomfort 1-2 weeks after your extraction, so contact your dentist in Albertson, NY for a follow-up appointment if you are experiencing these symptoms.
Tooth extractions may be necessary for patients suffering from an extremely severe cavity, severe damage from oral trauma, or an infected tooth that cannot be saved with root canal therapy. In most cases, it is possible to save your tooth with a crown or root canal therapy, but sometimes an extraction may be your only option.Improper wisdom teeth growth is the most common reason for tooth extractions. If your dentist sees that your wisdom teeth are impacted or failing to erupt properly, an extraction may be recommended to ensure that your other teeth remain healthy. Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth to be removed, however. Consult with your dentist to find out if your wisdom teeth are or will be a problem.
A tooth extraction may be required if severe periodontal disease is compromising the health of the tooth, causing it to loosen from the gums. Your dentist may want to extract these teeth to prepare you for a strong and long-lasting tooth replacement option, such as dental implants or dentures.
At Enso Dental Arts, we’re dedicated to making your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Dr. Hiruma and her team understands that the idea of an extraction can be intimidating, so we take the time to answer your questions and address any concerns. With our advanced techniques and compassionate care, we prioritize your comfort and long-term oral health.
Whether you need a simple extraction or a more complex procedure, you’ll be in skilled hands with us. If you’re ready to take the next step toward a healthier smile, call us at (516) 484-2676 or visit our contact form.
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GET IN TOUCH
**Requested time is not final until you receive confirmation from our office.
Please do not submit any Protected Health Information (PHI).
"*" indicates required fields
