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Despite how scary the procedure may sound, a tooth extraction can benefit your oral health. After all, wouldn’t you want a decayed or fractured tooth removed before it causes more issues down the road? Our Washington, MI, dentist wants what’s best for your smile and sometimes that means extraction.
Here’s what you need to know about the tooth removal process and when it may be required.
Why Does My Tooth Have to Be Removed?
Oftentimes, if a tooth is broken or damaged by decay, our dentist can make the repair with a tooth-colored filling, dental crown, or other similar treatment. When damage is too severe, however, those fixes are no longer an option and Dr. Lesinski may recommend extraction.
Tooth extraction becomes a possibility when there is:
- Trauma or injury that has occurred
- Present tooth decay or infection
- A need for orthodontic correction
- Advanced periodontal disease
- A fractured tooth or tooth roots
- An impacted tooth
- A malpositioned tooth
Each patient is different. Before we move ahead with treatment, our dentist will fully assess your condition and determine if tooth extraction is indeed the correct path to pursue.
What to Expect Before & During the Procedure
Prior to the , our dentist will take a few X-rays of the tooth in question to observe its shape, length, and position. Information gathered from the X-rays will help our dentist determine if you need to be referred to an oral surgeon.
The extraction will begin with the application of a local anesthetic to properly numb the area around your tooth. Once the area is numb, our dentist will employ the use of a tool called an elevator which helps loosen the tooth. Dental forceps will then be used to remove the tooth.
After removal, our dentist may need to close the area with a few stitches.
Aftercare Instructions to Follow
Practicing good oral hygiene after a tooth extraction is essential. You will need to keep the area clean to prevent any possible infection. Our dentist will provide you with dry gauze following the procedure that you will be expected to bite down on for 30-45 minutes to limit bleeding while clotting occurs.
It is also recommended that you avoid smoking, rinse your mouth thoroughly, and adequately brush the teeth next to the extraction site. There may be some discomfort after the procedure but over-the-counter pain medication or an ice pack should help relieve pain and swelling.
Still have questions? Call our Washington dental office and we’ll help you get the answers you need for a speedy .
Request an Appointment with Dr. Lesinski
It’s never fun to have a tooth removed but unfortunately, that is best when there has been decay, injury, or disease. Our dentist in Washington, MI, prioritizes patient comfort and will make sure you’re taken care of should you need a tooth extracted. Call Washington Family Dental today at (586) 752-4545 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.