Extractions

Good oral hygiene should always be practiced since the loss of a single tooth can have major impact upon your oral health and appearance.  Although we will use every measure to prevent tooth loss, there are sometimes occasions when a tooth may need to be extracted.

A tooth may need to be extracted if the following occurs:

 

     •  Severe decay

     •  Advanced periodontal disease

     •  Infection or abscess

     •  Orthodontic correction

 

After careful examination and treatment, our doctors may advise to have a tooth extracted. Before a tooth is removed, we will take an x-ray in order to understand the shape and position of the tooth and surrounding bone.

 

For a simple extraction, we will first apply a local anesthetic to prevent pain and discomfort. The tooth will be loosened with a tool called an elevator and then removed with dental forceps. Once the procedure is complete, the area may be closed with one or two stitches.

 

It is critical to keep the extraction area clean to prevent infection. We will provide you with dry, sterile gauze to bite down on for 30-45 minutes to limit bleeding while clotting takes place. For the next 24 hours, you shouldn't smoke, rinse your mouth vigorously, or brush teeth directly next to the extraction site.