Tooth Extractions
What Is Tooth Extractions?
Tooth extraction is a common procedure used to remove a damaged or decayed tooth. The process requires removing a tooth from its socket and using restorative measures to promote better oral function.
Dr. Hansrolf H. Gruener, DDS from Sedro – Woolley Family Dental Center in Sedro – Woolley, Washington, is a specialist in offering a host of general, preventative, and restorative oral treatments like tooth extraction, in this case, to ensure their patients’ oral health.
When Is Tooth Extraction Required?
Tooth extraction is necessary when your tooth can no longer function usually. At your appointment, our dentist, Dr. Gruener will conduct an extensive examination to check whether we can retain the tooth before suggesting extraction as a last resort.
Here are a few instances when tooth extraction is the only option:
- Severe dental trauma or injury
- Over-crowded mouth
- Tooth decay or infection extending to the tooth root
- Wisdom teeth removal if they infringe on your already existing molars
- Orthodontic treatments that require space to push your teeth into alignment
What Happens During a Tooth Extraction Process
Our dentists need to assess the damage your tooth has suffered before proceeding with the process. First, they will go through your medical and oral history and take X-rays to determine the affected tooth’s size, shape, length, and proximity to the bone.
Based on their assessment, they may choose to use either of the two tooth extraction methods mentioned below:
- Simple Extraction
- Surgical Extraction
As the name suggests, a simple extraction is a straightforward process where our dentists remove the teeth visible on the surface. They will give you a sedative to numb the region around the affected tooth before proceeding with the procedure.
A surgical extraction is a process that involves removing a tooth that has broken off around the gum line. Again, our dentists will give you a sedative to keep you comfortable before making an incision into the gumline to surgically remove the affected tooth.
What to Do After Tooth Extraction
The aftercare steps are crucial to ensure the success of the procedure. As a patient, you should keep the area clean to prevent infection. Our dentists will place a sterilized gauze to stem the bleeding from the extraction spot and advise you to bite it down till it clots.
You will also receive detailed aftercare instructions on how to brush, what foods to eat, how to control the pain, and the steps you need to take in case of any complications.
Get in touch with our dentists or staff to learn more about tooth extraction. Schedule a consultation with Sedro-Woolley Family Dental Center now by calling us at (360) 855-0351, booking an online appointment, or visiting our office at 830 Metcalf St, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 for assistance.