As you’d expect, qualified dentists always try to save your teeth when possible. Keeping a natural tooth is much better for oral health than losing one in an accident. That said, there are times when the white bits of a smile can’t be salvaged. Drs. Branco and Kim may suggest our tooth extractions in Reno for those situations. For more details on these procedures, please keep reading or visit us in person.
At our office, we never perform a tooth extraction lightly. This treatment is a last resort – a service done when there’s no other choice. In fact, our dentists would much rather save your teeth with root canals, dental crowns, and so on. Each natural tooth is the best tool for biting, chewing, and smiling.
Due to these facts, you’ll only need tooth extractions in dire cases. We may suggest one if you suffer from one (or more) of the following:
At your initial visit, we’ll assess your tooth to see how (and whether) we should extract it. The later removal will be simple or complex based on your needs.
We’ll do a simple extraction if the affected tooth is visible. For that approach, we simply remove said tooth after numbing the treatment site. The process uses forceps to rock your chomper back and forth until it separates from your gums.
If the affected tooth hasn’t fully erupted, we’ll give you a complex extraction instead. This removal makes an incision in your gums after numbing your mouth first. From there, our dental team divides and extracts the tooth in sections to reduce bone loss. We’ll then conclude by sewing up the incision.
Once either type of extraction is done, our dentists will plan how to replace your missing tooth. Getting a new one would ensure you don’t suffer long-term tooth loss.
Adult teeth aren’t designed for removal, so your mouth needs time to recover from the extraction process. The treatment site will feel sore during this period even as it heals. Luckily, our practice is here to guide you through the recovery process. Just remember to follow these post-op instructions:
You’ll heal up nicely if you use the tips above. Afterward, you can consider a range of tooth replacement options; a prosthetic would restore your smile, strengthen your bite, and more.
Many people have anxiety around dental appointments, and tooth extractions can be particularly worrisome. It’s easy to assume the procedure will be long and agonizing, but that’s fortunately not the case. Before we remove your tooth, we’ll apply a local anesthetic so you don’t feel any discomfort. If you’re still concerned, or your troublesome tooth requires surgical extraction, then we may also administer sedatives to ensure that you remain relaxed throughout your visit.
After your appointment, it’s natural to experience mild to moderate aches and inflammation. Our team will provide detailed post-op instructions that will help you recover as quickly as possible without developing complications. However, if you feel pain that worsens or doesn’t subside within a week, contact us immediately.
Typically, our dentists do everything they can to protect and preserve your teeth, so it may come as a surprise to hear them suggest an extraction. Rest assured, if we’ve recommended this procedure, it’s because we feel it’s necessary for your oral health.
Extractions are often required when a tooth is too damaged or decayed to be effectively repaired. For example, a cavity may be too severe to be addressed with a filling or a root canal. Gum disease is another common reason for needing a tooth removed, and although there are treatments for it, if it has progressed too far, they may not be applicable. If your current situation puts your overall dental condition at risk, pulling the problem out is sometimes the only remaining option to save your smile.
We’ll provide you with instructions following your procedure to keep your teeth and gums safe and healthy. To recover fully, your mouth must form a blood clot over the extraction site to shield the underlying bone tissue and sensitive nerves that have been left exposed. If this clot is damaged or dislodged, you can develop a painful complication known as dry socket.
To prevent it, you should plan to avoid strenuous activities that elevate your heart rate for a few days. Also, drink plenty of water but avoid straws because the force of suction can dislodge the clot.
You should also keep your mouth clean following your appointment. We often recommend that you rinse with salt water instead of brushing and flossing in the first 24 hours after your visit. Also, don’t smoke or drink alcohol because these habits can hinder your healing process.
You may feel tempted to leave the gap in your grin once your tooth is removed, especially if it’s located somewhere that’s not overly visible. However, the roots of your teeth stimulate new bone growth every time you bite down or chew, which keeps your jawbone strong and healthy. Spaces in your smile, therefore, cause it to gradually weaken. In time, it can become too frail to support your remaining teeth- even if they’re healthy.
As a result, we recommend that you replace your extracted tooth as soon as possible. Our dentists can make a recommendation for the best solution based on your unique circumstances, whether it’s a dental implant, bridge, or dentures.
