Tooth Extractions – Columbus, NJ

Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary

When meeting with Dr. Fraser about your damaged or decayed tooth, she will likely only recommend tooth extraction if it’s absolutely necessary. Dentists tend to try and save the tooth with other solutions, like a dental crown or root canal treatment; however, when these do not provide the kind of repair and restoration needed, the only option is to remove the tooth.

This will happen if:

• Decay has spread and is causing extensive damage to the tooth, and it is putting abutment teeth at risk.
• Advanced gum disease is causing one or more teeth to become loose because of the spreading infection.
• The tooth is badly broken because of facial trauma, and it cannot be saved with a dental crown.
• A child has a baby tooth that needs to be removed to make room for the permanent tooth.
• Orthodontic treatment is required but one or more teeth must be removed to create ample space for movement.

The Process of Removing a Tooth

When removing the tooth, Dr. Fraser will first make sure you are comfortable by using local anesthesia. She will administer it at the start of the appointment so that your mouth is numb throughout the procedure. She will then use specialized dental instruments to remove the tooth.

Dr. Fraser will lift the tooth from its socket using a dental elevator. This makes it easier to remove. She’ll then trade the elevator for dental forceps, which will allow her to grab hold of the tooth. Using a gentle motion, she will move it back and forth so that it detaches from the connective tissues underneath.

Once the entire process is complete, the next phase will include time spent recovering at home. After your mouth is fully healed, our dentists will discuss ways to replace the extracted tooth. Unless it is a wisdom tooth, all other teeth need to be replaced to avoid bone resorption and further tooth loss.

At Columbus Dental Arts, we provide dental bridges, dental implants, and dentures as effective ways to restore and rebuild smiles.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

During your recovery, it will be necessary for you to follow the guidelines that Dr. Fraser provides. These will ensure that you do not experience any problems while you heal. Make sure that you:

• Take any prescribed or over-the-counter pain medicine as instructed.
• Get plenty of rest after returning home from your procedure, as the anesthesia will need time to wear off.
• Leave the gauze you receive in place for a few hours (3-4), as this will help stop the bleeding and encourage a blood clot to form.
• Use a cold compress to minimize swelling and alleviate discomfort. You can apply it for 10 minutes at a time.
• Avoid using straws or spitting, as this can dislodge the blood clot and cause a dry socket.
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water after 24 hours. This will help speed up the healing process, remove harmful bacteria, clean the surgical site, and ease discomfort.
• Prop your head while sleeping to keep additional swelling from occurring.
• Do not smoke.
• Keep up with your oral hygiene routine but be mindful of your extraction area.

Although it is never the desire of any dentist to remove a natural tooth, performing a necessary tooth extraction can protect your oral health and well-being by eliminating the potential spread of harmful decay to other areas of your smile.