When you have a tooth that is severely damaged or infected, removing it could be crucial for protecting your smile. In some cases, a tooth extraction is the best way to avoid the spread of infection or issues like wisdom tooth impaction. In today’s blog, your Austin, MN, dentists talk about our approach to tooth extraction.
When Smiles Need Tooth Extraction
There are several reasons to have a tooth extracted. If one is damaged beyond the ability to be repaired with a crown, or has decay or infection too severe for a filling or root canal, then extraction prevents the spread of infection to other parts of the smile. We can take out teeth loosened by gum disease, or remove one to make room for orthodontics treatment. The procure can help prepare smiles for dentures, and we can even extract wisdom teeth before they erupt to prevent major complications for your smile.
Planning the Procedure
We want to ensure your tooth extraction is a comfortable procedure, which is why we plan it in detail. With digital x-rays, we can pinpoint the position of the tooth and also make sure we avoid blood vessels, nerve tissues, and sinus cavities during the removal process. Our team will also discuss local anesthesia for the area where the tooth is being removed, and dental sedation, so you enter a calm and relaxed state, with little to no memory of the procedure, even if you have dental anxiety!
Removing a Tooth
Once you are comfortable, our team will then gently loosen and remove the tooth with a pair of forceps. We then suture the area closed in some cases, and may add medication to it. For the next day or two, you should rest, avoid straw use, be very gentle when you brush and floss, and eat only soft foods. We want a clot to form and not dislodge, so the area heals quickly and you can return to your normal routine after a day or two of rest. If you have any questions about how we conduct a tooth removal, or if you think you have an issue that could benefit from oral surgery, then contact our team today to learn more. Summer break is a great time for treatments like wisdom tooth extraction so your teen or college student doesn’t risk missing classes and falling behind.
Do You Have Questions About Oral Surgery?
Our team wants to help you smile with confidence, and can do so with oral surgery. To schedule an appointment for endodontic treatment with Potach & Mitchell in Austin, MN, call 507-437-6312. You deserve a strong and healthy smile, and we want to help you through each stage of the process!
