Tooth Extractions in Lakewood, CO

Tooth extraction is the process of removal of a tooth from the mouth. There are several reasons why a person might need to have a tooth extracted. Reasons for tooth extraction include:

• Decay which has progressed beyond the tooth’s outer enamel layer to the softer inner dentin layer, causing the tooth to become susceptible to infection.
• Advanced gum disease, in which the gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets where bacteria can grow.
• Crowding, which occurs when teeth have insufficient room to erupt from the gums.
• Impacted teeth, which are teeth that are unable to erupt properly.
• Orthodontic treatment, in which permanent teeth are removed to create space for treatment.
• Fractured teeth.
• Severely decayed teeth.
• Cysts, tumors, and abscesses.

Types of Tooth Extractions

• Simple tooth extraction

Simple tooth extraction involves using a local anesthetic to numb the area where the tooth will be removed. Once the area is numb, your dentist will use a tool called an elevator to loosen the tooth. This can be accomplished by simply wiggling the tooth back and forth until it can be pulled. Once the tooth is loosened, your dentist uses forceps to gently remove it from your mouth.

After the tooth is removed, your dentist will thoroughly clean the area to remove any remaining tissue. Sometimes, your dentist will place a stitch to close the extraction site.

• Surgical tooth extraction

Surgical tooth extraction is necessary when a tooth is severely decayed, broken below the gum line, or impacted, which means the tooth cannot break through the gum line. Surgical extractions involve an incision into the gums. We then remove the tooth from the socket and stitch the gums closed.

What Happens After An Extraction?

After an extraction, you may experience some bleeding, swelling, and discomfort. Your dentist may prescribe medication to help manage the pain. To control bleeding, your dentist may suggest gently biting down on a piece of gauze for 30 minutes to an hour. Maintaining a soft diet and rinsing with salt water are also recommended. Ice packs can also help control swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken for discomfort. Patients should refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating hot foods or drinks until the mouth has healed. Also, do not brush the extraction site directly, but carefully rinse your mouth with salt water.

Should I Replace My Extracted Tooth?

If a missing tooth is not replaced, the teeth surrounding the gap can shift out of alignment, causing teeth to become crooked. This can also affect your bite and jaw, causing issues with your jaw joint. Additionally, without a tooth in place, the other teeth may slowly begin to shift into the empty space, causing misalignment. So, replacing an extracted tooth is important to restore oral health and aesthetics. 

To find out more about the dental services offered at Aaron E Slavsky DDS, call Dentist Lakewood CO at 303.233.1704.