Tooth Extractions

Safe Tooth Extractions

Woman getting a tooth extracted at the dentistA tooth extraction is a routine, low-risk procedure that is relatively painless. You might be familiar with the process if you’ve previously gotten your wisdom teeth removed!

Windsor Family Dental can do some tooth extractions here in the office, but we may refer out to an oral surgeon depending on the case.

Reasons You May Need a Tooth Extraction

A dentist may recommend a tooth extraction to make room in the mouth for proper tooth alignment. Other times, a tooth needs to be extracted when it’s badly damaged or decayed. An extraction will prevent infection and relieve pain.

The most common reason for needing a tooth extraction is to remove your wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth removal is typically handled by an oral surgeon. If your wisdom teeth are impacted it can stop your teeth from growing in correctly and ruin the current alignment of your teeth.

The Tooth Extraction Process

Tooth extractions should only take a few minutes and should be mostly pain-free. Most tooth extraction process looks similar to the following:

  1. Following your x-rays, the dentist or oral surgeon will review them with you and walk you through the process.
  2. The dentist will use a local numbing agent for the tooth, gum, and bone.
  3. Throughout the extraction, you should only feel pressure and no pain.
  4. In most cases, the dentist can remove the tooth using applied pressure, rather than surgical intervention.

The Recovery

Once the procedure is complete, your dentist will give you instructions to inform you how to properly care for the extraction site in the hours and days following tooth removal. Some patients will have to cover the area with gauze.

If needed, the dentist or oral surgeon may prescribe medicine to provide relief in the days following the procedure. The gums should fully heal in a matter of weeks, as long as the site is kept clean. After your extraction sites are healed, you might be interested in replacing the missing tooth with an implant, bridge, and denture.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Windsor Family Dentistry has a modern office with an experienced staff. If you think you might need a tooth extracted, contact us for a consultation. In some cases, we may refer out to an oral surgeon.