When Smiles Benefit From Tooth Extraction

austin tooth extraction

When possible, we treat and preserve teeth with our lifelike and durable dental restorations. But sometimes an issue arises too severe to be treated with a restoration, and lack of removal could put the whole smile in danger. In today’s blog, your Austin, MN, dentists explain when a tooth extraction is necessary.

The Reasons to Extract a Tooth

We may suggest tooth extraction for a tooth severely damaged and beyond treatment with a crown or dental bonding. Likewise, to address cavities or infection too severe for a root canal treatment. Leaving them in place could mean the spread of infection and tooth decay, further harming the stability of your smile. Removable is often necessary for teeth loosened by gum disease, or help with orthodontic treatment, or to pave the way for the placement of full dentures. The most common reason is to prevent wisdom tooth impaction. As we approach adulthood, up to four new molars could arrive in the rear off the mouth. Without removal, they can cause infection, decay, discomfort, misalignment, and painful partial eruption known as impaction. Extraction prevents these complications!

Ensuring Your Comfort

We always strive to ensure our patients feel calm and comfortable during their procedures. In addition to a local anesthesia, our team could also provide dental sedation. With nitrous oxide, oral, or IV sedation, we offer an option to help you enter a calm and relaxed state, with little to no memory of the procedure.

The Surgery and Aftercare Process

Once you’re comfortable, our team will gently extract the tooth with a pair of forceps. We then suture the site closed and may add special medication to the area. A friend or family member can take you home, as the sedation takes time to wear off. We will provide detailed aftercare instructions and prescriptions for medications to keep you comfortable as the area heals. For the first day or two, you need to rest, eat soft foods, avoid prodding the site with your tongue, and brush and floss gently. We will remove sutures in a follow up visit.

If you have gaps left behind by the removal of one or more teeth, we could discuss placing lifelike prosthetics, such as dental bridges, full or partial dentures, or even lifelike and long-lasting dental implants. If you have any questions about oral surgery or the removal of a tooth, then contact our team today to learn more. We strive to keep your smile healthy and strong!

Do You Have Questions About Oral Surgery?

We would love to help protect the health, function, and beauty of your smile with oral surgery. To schedule your next oral surgery with the Potach and Mitchell Dental Clinic, contact our Austin, MN dental office today by calling 507-437-6312.