Tooth Extractions
St. Joseph, Michigan
At Michigan Coast Dental, we never spare any effort to maintain your natural teeth. If a tooth sustains damage, we will use the most conservative option to repair it, restoring its form and function. If, however, tooth extraction is unavoidable, we'll do everything we can to ensure the procedure is as comfortable as possible.
Why Would a Tooth Require Extraction?
Your permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime. However, a tooth may need to be removed for the following reasons:
Irreparable Damage: If a tooth sustains damage due to trauma, extensive tooth decay, or infection, our team will examine it to recommend the best treatment option. Extraction may be the only viable solution if root canal therapy or other restorative options cannot repair the damage.
Advanced Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums, periodontal ligaments, and the alveolar bone. As the condition progresses, it destroys the bone and tissue supporting the teeth, often leading to loose teeth. If we cannot save a tooth affected by periodontal disease, we may recommend having it extracted.
Teeth Overcrowding: Selective extractions of one or several teeth may be necessary to correct mouth overcrowding. It may also be essential as a component of an orthodontic treatment plan when there's no space for your teeth to move and realign.
Tooth Impaction: An impacted tooth is one that's trapped in the jaw or blocked from erupting, which usually occurs with wisdom teeth. An impacted tooth can cause many complications, including pain and infection, and may affect the health of the neighboring teeth.
What Should You Expect During a Dental Extraction?
We will first numb the area using a local anesthetic and may administer dental sedation, if needed, for your comfort. If you have a tooth that's visible and easily accessible, you'll require a simple extraction, which involves loosening the affected tooth with an instrument called an elevator and then removing it gently using dental forceps.
A surgical extraction is a more involved procedure used to remove teeth that are weak, prone to fracture, impacted, or broken at the gum line. Depending on your particular case, we may refer you to an oral surgeon to complete the dental extraction process.
Care After Tooth Extraction
It's important to keep the extraction site clean to prevent infection. Right after the procedure, you'll bite down on a piece of sterile gauze to limit any bleeding while a blood clot begins to form. We'll provide you with aftercare instructions and pain medications to ease any discomfort.
For 24 hours after having a tooth pulled out, it's imperative that you avoid smoking, drinking from a straw, rinsing vigorously, or cleaning the area around the extraction site. Otherwise, you risk dislodging the blood clot forming in the socket, potentially leading to a painful complication known as dry socket. If you have increased discomfort, bleeding, or any other concerns, make sure to contact our office for guidance.
Dental Extractions Near Me in Saint Joseph, MI
If you have tooth pain or damage, contact Michigan Coast Dental for a consultation. We will evaluate your concerns and recommend the most conservative treatment options to restore your oral health. If your tooth requires extraction, our gentle approach and sedation dentistry options will ensure you are comfortable and free of stress.
We invite you to contact our office at 269-428-4430 to schedule your appointment today!
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