Tooth Extractions – Auburn, ME
From Primary Teeth to Wisdom Teeth, Our Team is Ready to Help
As dentists, our goal is to help patients save their natural teeth. However, there are many reasons a tooth extraction might be a viable treatment option. In these cases, our team is ready, willing and able to make these procedures as easy and predictable as possible. We start by thoroughly explaining the treatment plan, and we make sure patient comfort is at the core of everything we do. Whether a patient needs to have a single tooth or all teeth removed, it is important to understand as much as possible before beginning.
Reasons for Tooth Extractions
There are a number of reasons why a tooth extraction might be the best treatment option:
- Severe decay. Sometimes, a cavity is so large that a filling, inlay, onlay, or crown would not be able to adequately restore the strength and function of the natural tooth.
- Severe damage. If a tooth is fractured to a point beyond repair, extraction is often the best option. This is especially true when a fracture goes below the gum line.
- Straight teeth are very important to oral health, and many people undergo orthodontic treatment to achieve this goal. Extractions are often an important part of orthodontics and are used to make room for other teeth to move into more optimal positions.
- Periodontal Disease. Advanced gum disease can compromise a tooth’s base of support and cause it to become so loose that extraction is the best option.
- In some cases, a tooth gets stuck “under” other, adjacent teeth and is not able to fully erupt from the gum line. Its poor positioning endangers the tooth itself and the teeth around it. This is most often found with wisdom teeth.
The Extraction Procedure
In general, there are two types of tooth extractions, and the extraction procedure related to each is different.
The first is called a simple extraction. These are most common with teeth in the front of your mouth and can often be completed without any work under the gum line. In these cases, we usually numb the area around the tooth being extracted. Then, we use gentle force to remove it from its socket. You may feel a slight tug, but there is rarely any significant pain.
The second type of tooth removal is a surgical extraction. As its name implies, surgical extractions are more complex and may require the involvement of an oral surgeon. We may utilize IV sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity and number of teeth to be removed. Also, these cases almost always require more force to remove the tooth along with work beneath the gum line.
Regardless of which type of extraction is recommended, clinical excellence and patient comfort guide our efforts. Our goal is for the procedure to be over before you even realize we started. As mentioned, we offer sedation for patients requiring surgical extractions and for those who suffer from dental anxiety. Of course, we welcome the opportunity to answer all your questions and to alleviate any concerns before we begin any extraction.
After an Extraction
The soft tissue in the mouth heals fairly quickly after a tooth extraction. Recovery from simple extractions can be as quick as 1 to 2 days. Surgical extractions can take up to a week. In either case, there are some important steps that should be followed to minimize complications and to promote healing:
- Avoid tobacco. Cigarettes and chewing tobacco can slow down healing time and increase the risk of infection.
- Do not use straws. The suction action increases the risk of a dry socket. This is a rare but painful complication where the natural blood clot at an extraction site gets dislodged.
- Eat soft foods. Applesauce, pudding, and soup are all great choices. Also, it is perfectly fine to enjoy an extra scoop of ice cream. Hard, sticky foods and those requiring a lot of chewing should be avoided until the extraction site is fully healed.
- No Heavy Exercise. It is best to stay away from the gym for a few days and to spend time with a good book or favorite movie.
- Ask Questions. It is a new process, and things may feel a little funny. However, it is always best to ask questions and to address concerns before they become problems.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Tooth extractions in Auburn are often a necessary part of high-quality oral healthcare. However, we recognize that this procedure can cause some anxiety, so it is understandable if you want as much information about it as possible before you commit to it. To put your mind at ease, we have prepared a list of answers to some frequently asked questions about extractions. If you do not see your specific questions addressed, give us a call so we can personally assist you.
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
Fortunately, modern treatment methods have made extractions quite easy and comfortable for patients. One of the first things we do during an extraction appointment is numb the area of the mouth where we will be working. Local anesthesia prevents you from feeling pain. However, you might feel a bit of pressure as we work to remove the tooth. For particularly sensitive patients, sedation can provide added comfort and a feeling of relaxation.
Following an extraction, some soreness and discomfort are to be expected. If you carefully follow post-op instructions, you will likely be feeling better within a few days to a week or so.
Is There an Alternative to a Tooth Extraction?
We try to recommend tooth extractions only if we believe they are absolutely necessary. In some cases, we might be able to avoid an extraction by performing root canal therapy on a decayed tooth. If periodontal disease is present, we might be able to save the teeth by addressing the infection in the gums. However, if your dental condition is particularly severe, one or more tooth extractions may be the best and only way to get your oral health back on track.
Can I Leave the Space Empty After a Tooth Extraction?
Some patients reason that if the extraction site is not near the front of the mouth, there is no need to replace the lost tooth. After all, no one will be able to see the empty space. However, such thinking is flawed. Your remaining teeth may begin to drift into the empty space, leading to a misaligned smile and the potential for future tooth loss. Plus, you may find it challenging to thoroughly chew food.
We highly recommend that you get your lost tooth replaced in order to prevent such issues. You may be a candidate for a bridge, a dental implant, or even a partial denture.
What Risks Are Involved with Tooth Extractions?
As your dentist in Auburn, we are careful to take precautions so that every extraction we perform is as safe as possible. Complications and severe side effects are rare, especially when patients carefully follow the provided post-op instructions. However, in some cases, a patient may experience a condition called dry socket, which occurs when the blood clot at an extraction site gets prematurely dislodged or fails to form in the first place. It is also possible for someone to develop a post-operative infection. If you notice any severe pain, swelling, redness, or any other abnormal symptoms after your tooth extraction, call us right away.
What Is the Difference Between Tooth Extractions and Wisdom Tooth Surgery?
Wisdom tooth surgery is simply a specific type of tooth extraction, during which the third molars at the back of the mouth are removed. It is often regarded as a different procedure because it is usually more complicated than pulling other teeth. For example, a dentist might have to create incisions in the gums or even break the wisdom teeth into pieces in order to remove them. Since it is a surgical treatment, it may also involve more powerful sedation and/or a longer recovery time than a normal tooth extraction in Auburn.
What Is the Recovery for Tooth Extractions Like?
Most patients are feeling back to normal within a few days to a week after a tooth extraction. Here are some key things you can do to facilitate an easy recovery:
- Prevent dry socket. Dry socket is a painful complication that occurs when the blood clot at the site of a tooth extraction gets dislodged. You can prevent it by not drinking through a straw, avoiding smoking, and resisting the urge to touch the extraction site with your tongue or fingers.
- Get plenty of rest. Not overexerting yourself can help your body to heal.
- Maintain a clean mouth. Gently brushing and flossing, rinsing your mouth with saltwater, and doing other things to care for your oral hygiene can reduce the risk of infection.
- Eat soft foods. Hard and crunchy foods may irritate the extraction site.
How Long After a Tooth Extraction Can I Get Dentures?
In most cases, there is a waiting period of 6 – 8 weeks between extractions and denture placement. Once your gums have healed from the extractions, our team can take impressions of your mouth and design your new teeth.
Of course, there are exceptions. Some patients opt for immediate dentures, which are placed very soon after tooth extractions. Others choose to get implant dentures, which involve a longer and more complex treatment process.
How Should I Prepare for My Tooth Extraction?
Before you visit your dentist in Auburn for a tooth extraction, there are some simple things you can do to prepare for the procedure:
- Communicate well. Well-informed patients tend to be more confident when undergoing dental procedures. Feel free to ask questions and express your concerns to your dentist.
- Stock up on soft foods. Things like soup, smoothies, and even ice cream are acceptable food choices for after a tooth extraction.
- Arrange for a ride if necessary. If you will be sedated during your procedure, you may need a friend or family member to drive you home.