Tooth Extractions
Sacramento, CA
At Greenhaven Dental Care, we never spare any effort to save a damaged tooth, restoring its form and function. However, extracting a tooth is sometimes our only option to maintain your oral health. Our compassionate team strives to make the extraction process as comfortable as possible for our valued patients. You can always count on us for the highest level of care!
Why Would You Need to Have a Tooth Extracted?
The following are some reasons you may require a tooth extraction:
- Severe Tooth Decay: If not treated, tooth decay can cause complications, such as pain, swelling, and infection. If the damage is beyond repair, extraction may become the only viable option to prevent the spread of infection to other teeth.
- Gum Disease: Advanced gum disease can cause teeth to become loose, compromising their stability. In such cases, extraction may be necessary to safeguard the health of the surrounding teeth.
- Orthodontic Reasons: We sometimes recommend selective tooth extraction as part of an orthodontic treatment plan to correct issues such as overcrowding or misalignment. That helps create the space needed for the remaining teeth to align correctly.
- Trauma or Injury: An accident or injury can cause significant damage to a tooth. If the damage is irreparable, extraction may be the best course of action to prevent further complications.
What Is the Tooth Extraction Procedure?
There are two types of tooth extraction procedures: simple and surgical. Both are performed under a local anesthetic for a comfortable and pain-free experience.
- Simple Extractions: We perform simple extractions to remove teeth that are visible and easily accessible. The procedure involves gently loosening the affected tooth and removing it. Simple extractions are typically quick, with minimal discomfort before, during, and after treatment.
- Surgical Extractions: Surgical extractions are required to remove teeth that are weak, fractured, or impacted. The procedure may involve making a small incision in the gum to access and remove the affected tooth. We may need to use sutures to close the incision and promote healing.
Post-Extraction Care
Following the extraction, we will provide post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. We may also recommend pain medication for use as needed.
After treatment, you will need to bite down on a gauze to stop bleeding and to encourage a clot to form in the extracted tooth’s socket. Make sure you eat only soft foods and avoid brushing around the extraction site for a couple of days. It’s also important to avoid drinking through a straw, rinsing vigorously, spitting, or smoking for at least 24 hours to lower the risk of dislodging the clot forming in the socket. Otherwise, you risk developing a painful condition known as a dry socket.
If you have any questions or concerns in the days following your tooth extraction, please contact our office for guidance.
Tooth Extractions Near Me in Sacramento, CA
If you have a damaged or painful tooth, Dr. Chao and his team will do everything possible to restore it to its health and function. If, however, a tooth extraction is unavoidable, you are in good hands. We never spare any effort to ensure you have a positive, stress-free experience. At Greenhaven Dental Care, your comfort and well-being are our topmost priorities.
We invite you to call 916-395-1900 to schedule an appointment or request one online today!
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