Tooth Extraction
Why might I need a tooth pulled?
Permanent teeth are built to last a lifetime, but for many reasons, some teeth might not. For instance, you could need a tooth extracted because it's too seriously broken to keep. Decay, trauma, and lifestyle can all lead to needing a tooth pulled.
Dr. Ranzinger may recommend an extraction if you're dealing with one of the following situations:
Risk of infection from an unsuccessful root canal
Risk of infection during an organ transplant or chemotherapy
Advanced gum (periodontal) disease
Extra or crowded teeth
No room for wisdom teeth (third molars)
What is the procedure for extraction?
There are simple extractions and surgical extractions. When you can see the tooth inside your mouth, it’s called a simple extraction. During this procedure, a highly accomplished dentist at Blakeney Dental Center will first loosen the tooth with an instrument called an elevator. They will then use forceps to remove the tooth.
A surgical extraction is a bit more complicated. The tooth may not have come through the surface of your gums, as is common with wisdom teeth, or it may have broken off at your gum line. To perform a surgical extraction Dr. Ranzinger will need to make a small cut in your gum to lift the tooth out. It may be necessary to remove some of the bone around your tooth as well so it can be thoroughly extracted.
Dr. Ranzinger gives you a local anesthetic before both a surgical extraction and simple extraction, so you don’t feel any pain. If you're having a couple of teeth removed at one appointment, as is the norm with wisdom teeth removal, Dr. Ranzinger might give you a general anesthetic. You'll feel no pain and will sleep through the procedure.
How soon can I expect to heal from a tooth extraction?
Based on how many teeth you had taken out and your individual condition, the initial healing period typically takes one to two weeks. New bone and gum tissue grow in the spaces where your teeth used to be. You may experience pain and discomfort or difficulty chewing as you heal, but this will depend on the amount of dental work you have.
Since everyone's situation is unique, we recommend you contact Blakeney Dental Center and book a consultation to find out about your options in addition to any important post-procedure treatments such as dental implants or crowns.
Contact Blakeney Dental Center by phone or make an appointment online using the booking tool.