Our team understands that the thought of having a tooth extracted may be intimidating. It is, however, often necessary to maintain good oral health. 

The third molars, or wisdom teeth, are the last permanent molars to erupt. As a result of several complications, these teeth are also the most likely to need extractions. There are, however, other teeth that may also require extraction if they cannot be saved by root canal therapy or another treatment. The following are some of the most common reasons for having teeth extracted:

• Impacted tooth – tooth is trapped beneath bone or gums and not emerging properly
• Crowding or small mouth – emerging teeth may cause other teeth to shift or crack due to lack of space
• Decay or infection – when a tooth is affected by extreme decay or infection that cannot be corrected with filling or root canal treatment, it may require extraction

The extraction process itself is usually straightforward and can be performed under local anesthesia. In some cases, however, we may recommend sedation dentistry to help you relax and reduce anxiety during the procedure.

After the extraction, it is important to take proper care of the extraction site to prevent complications such as prolonged bleeding or infection. Once your extraction has been completed, gauze will be applied. Replace it with a fresh piece when it becomes soaked. For pain and swelling, use pain medication and ice packs as directed. In the event that bleeding continues beyond 24 hours, please contact our office as soon as possible.

You should limit your diet to soft foods for the first few days following extraction. It is best to avoid smoking or using a straw as the pressure created by these actions can slow clotting and loosen sutures.

Please contact our office if you would like more information or to schedule an extraction consultation.