Sometimes, an oral health problem could develop that is beyond repair from a crown or root canal. In these scenarios, we may need to remove a tooth completely to prevent infection and further tooth loss. In today’s blog, your Des Moines, IA, dentist explains how we use dental extractions to help provide better oral health, and how we make sure the procedure is a comfortable one.
The Extraction Process
How do we take out a tooth? Well, this is a procedure requiring oral surgery, but is often completed in about 30 minutes. We first offer sedation and anesthesia to ensure you feel comfortable and relaxed. In fact, you may have little or no memory of the procedure at all! We then gently take the tooth out with a pair of forceps. The extraction site is then sutured closed. In all, this is a comfortable and short procedure, one that could help protect your smile and prevent serious discomfort.
When Your Smile Needs One
When a tooth is too decayed or damaged to be treated with a root canal and crown, then we may suggest the extraction to prevent the spread of a painful infection to surrounding tissues and teeth in the smile. Removal could also address teeth loosened by periodontal disease and could also make room to reposition teeth in an orthodontic procedure. However, the most common reason is to prevent the complications of your wisdom teeth. Also known as third molars, these arrive in our late teens and early 20s. The addition of up to four new teeth in the smile could mean an uncomfortable partial eruption known as an impaction, as well as infection, discomfort, and even dental misalignment. Removal helps preserve your smile!
What Happens After the Procedure?
The sedation will take time to wear off completely, so a friend or family member will bring you home. We will prescribe medications to ensure comfort and facilitate a proper healing process. For the first day, avoid solid foods and don’t use a straw or pocket the extraction site with your tongue. In a follow-up visit, we will remove the sutures. You can often return to normal activities after a day or two of rest. If you have any questions about how we treat oral health issues and preserve your smile with oral surgery and restorative dentistry, then contact our team to learn more!
TALK TO YOUR DES MOINES, IA DENTIST ABOUT GENERAL DENTISTRY
We would like to help avoid the onset of serious oral health issues and enjoy a full and functional smile for years to come. To find out more about our general and restorative treatment options, then please contact your Des Moines, IA, dentist, Dr. Burds, by calling 515-244-9565.