Tooth extraction is a dental treatment of last resort but may be necessary for the long-term health and stability of your smile. Dr. Thompson is an experienced restorative, cosmetic, and general dentist in Greely, CO, with years of experience providing complete dentistry. There are several reasons why we may recommend a tooth extraction.
Tooth Extraction in Greeley, CO
The first step in the process is to clean and prepare the area. We make you comfortable and relaxed with the chosen form of sedation or a local anesthetic. Dr. Thompson will release the tendons holding the tooth into the socket with a special tool and gently rock the tooth back and forth until it can slide out of the socket. We close the open socket using special degradable stitches.
We will pack the open area with sterile gauze and provide after-care instructions so you can recover at home with minimal side effects. Keeping the area clean and using cold compresses outside the cheek can reduce bleeding and swelling in the initial hours after treatment.
If you experience a recurrence of bleeding or sudden or severe pain, please contact us immediately so that we can assess the situation and provide appropriate guidance and care.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal is often considered a “rite of passage” for young adults. Dentists recommend it in a patient’s late teens or early twenties. It can also be the source of great anxiety for many who fear the treatment for something that may not be causing any symptoms!
Weld County area dentist Dr. Thompson performs tooth extractions in his Greeley, CO dental office. When necessary, Dr. Thompson will refer patients to a local oral surgeon for wisdom teeth removal.
We will perform a thorough exam and use X-ray imaging to determine if removing your wisdom teeth is a priority. In some cases, the teeth have enough room to develop and are not threatening to become impacted and possibly damage adjacent teeth.
Maintaining a preventive care routine and visiting Thompson Advanced Dentistry at least twice yearly for regular check-ups is essential. We will monitor the health and development of your teeth and recommend any treatments necessary for supporting long-term oral health.
When Tooth Extractions are Necessary
There are various reasons you may need a tooth extraction. We try to preserve the natural tooth structure whenever possible but may determine that extraction is the right choice for your oral health.
Severe Decay or Damage
Once decay gets bad enough, we can no longer salvage the tooth. When you don’t treat cavities, infection burrows deep into the tooth, affecting its innermost layers. Not only does it impact the hard structure of your tooth, but the nerves and blood vessels, too. This can be very painful to deal with and also makes your tooth incredibly fragile. If a dental crown can’t save it, extraction will be the next step.
This is true of trauma or damage, too. Accidents or injuries, like from contact sports without a mouthguard, can irreparably damage a tooth. It can completely shatter, come dislodged, or have a large portion broken off of it. Usually, it leaves your dental pulp exposed and vulnerable to infection. We’ll extract the tooth if we can’t use a dental crown to save the tooth structure that’s left.
Advanced Gum Disease
Untreated gum disease impacts all areas of the mouth and other parts of your body. The bacteria attack the structures that keep your tooth in place, like the gum and bone tissue. Your teeth become loose as those structures wear away, and the infection spreads to the teeth as well. We may have to extract your tooth if your tooth gets infected, or is no longer stable. The infection can spread to your remaining teeth without intervention.
Overcrowding
Severe overcrowding occurs when there’s insufficient space in the jaw to fit all your teeth. We consider all options to ensure your bite aligns and your mouth functions correctly. Usually, these teeth get extracted before orthodontic treatment to correct your bite. It ensures your smile is bright, healthy, and functional.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Tooth extraction is a standard procedure we perform in our office. Learn more about it by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions.
Does tooth extraction hurt?
Although many patients experience anxiety when faced with an extraction, the procedure is typically straightforward and relatively painless with a local anesthetic or dental sedation. Once complete, most patients experience some swelling and discomfort. Manage this with over-the-counter pain medication and a soft diet for several days.
Is a tooth extraction or root canal better?
Your dentist will always advise you that it is important to save as much of your natural teeth as possible. We recommend a tooth extraction in severe cases of severe tooth damage. However, most teeth with cavities and root infections can be saved with a root canal procedure and restorative dentistry.
Can tooth pain go away on its own?
Not likely. Constant tooth pain comes from an issue only your dentist can fix. Many issues can cause toothaches and pain, so your best option is to consult a dentist. Schedule a dental exam, or call with your questions. Sometimes, a simple phone call can answer your issue.
Call 970.205.9614 to schedule a dental health exam today. Dr. Joseph Thompson is your local Greeley, CO-area dentist for all your general dental care needs.