Extractions

At Eastgate Dental Excellence, our dentists do everything they can to protect your natural teeth. Although several treatment options such as root canals, caps, and crowns can often be used to effectively save and restore a damaged tooth, some cases may require a tooth extraction.

When a tooth must be extracted, we always discuss the treatment plan with you ahead of the procedure to ensure you know what to expect and fully understand your aftercare and tooth replacement options.

Reasons Why a Tooth Might Need to Be Extracted

Although we always do our best to preserve your natural teeth, tooth extraction might be necessary in the following situations:

• Extensive decay or damage that compromises the tooth’s structure or pulp
• Teeth that are loose as a result of periodontal disease
• Broken or cracked teeth that cannot be repaired
• Impacted teeth
• Teeth that are positioned in a way that damage other teeth or cause pain
• To prepare for an orthodontic treatment that requires an extraction

Before recommending an extraction, we first thoroughly examine your teeth and gums with a visual examination and may use diagnostic imaging to determine whether a tooth can be saved with alternative dental treatments.

What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction

At the beginning of a tooth extraction appointment, our team administers a local anesthetic to ensure you won’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Once the anesthetic has taken full effect, our dentists begin extracting the tooth.

Each tooth extraction proceeds slightly differently depending on the patient and the tooth’s condition. Some teeth can be loosened before extraction using a special instrument. Other teeth that are firmly anchored in their sockets might require sectioning to remove the tooth in smaller pieces rather than all at once.

Our team will always talk you through your appointment as it proceeds, so you’ll know exactly what to expect when having a tooth extracted.

Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?

We strive to ensure you have a comfortable and pain-free experience every time you visit Eastgate Dental Excellence. Although you might feel a little pressure during tooth extraction, the local anesthetic will completely block any pain, regardless of the tooth extraction method used.

Once the anesthetic has worn off after the appointment, you might experience some tenderness, which over-the-counter pain medications should be able to adequately address. Additionally, the application of an ice pack can also help reduce swelling and pain.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

After extraction, our dentists provide you with thorough aftercare instructions. These include pain management recommendations, dietary adjustments, and instructions such as avoiding using straws to help your tooth socket clot properly. Following these instructions closely ensures proper clotting and healing.

Tooth Replacement Options at Eastgate Dental Excellence

From dental implants and bridges to partial and full dentures, at Eastgate Dental Excellence, we offer a variety of tooth replacement options for patients who are missing one or more teeth. Restorative dentistry treatments help restore the function and appearance of your smile.

To learn more about tooth extraction or teeth replacement options, we welcome you to contact Eastgate Dental Excellence today.