Why Do We Need Extractions, And What Happens Next?

Lately we’ve talked a lot about fillings, crowns, and root canal treatment, all of which are designed to prevent the loss of a decayed or infected tooth. However, sometimes we actually need to remove a tooth to help preserve your oral health. In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist will look at dental extractions, and what happens after we remove one.

The Reason to Remove Natural Teeth

First, we may take out a tooth that sustains such severe damage that restoring them simply isn’t possible. They could also become loose due to untreated gum disease. For people with serious misalignment, sometimes extracting a tooth makes room to reposition the others. However, the most common reason is to prevent wisdom tooth impaction. As we approach adulthood, up to four new molars could erupt, known as wisdom teeth. The arrival of these teeth could mean a painful partial eruption known as an impaction, as well as misalignment, damaged teeth, or infection. By extracting these new teeth before they arrive, we help preserve your smile’s appearance and health.

Your Recovery

We start administering a local anesthetic, and possibly sedation, to ensure you feel calm and comfortable throughout the whole process. We then gently extract the teeth with forceps before suturing the extraction site closed. You will then need a friend or family to bring you home, and we will provide detailed aftercare instructions.

You need to take any prescribed medications as instructed, and be sure to consume soft foods for the first day, and avoid poking the extraction site with your tongue or using a straw. You still need to brush and floss, but do so very gently. During a follow-up visit, we will monitor your progress and remove the sutures.

What About Replacement Options?

While wisdom teeth do not need to be replaced, what if you lose a tooth to infection, damage, or gum disease? In these scenarios, you now have a gap in your smile, which could lead to other complications. Fortunately, we have options to replace lost teeth, such as dental bridges, dentures, or dental implants. We will make sure you continue to enjoy a full and healthy smile; one you’ll feel proud to show off when you laugh or smile. If you have any questions about the removal process, then contact our team today.

Do You Have Questions About Restorative Dental Care?

We want to help you enjoy a whole and healthy smile, and yes, that sometimes means we need to extract a tooth! To learn more about our solutions to serious oral health concerns, then please schedule an appointment by calling Peddicord Family Dentistry in Ankeny, IA, today at (515) 963-3339. We also proudly serve patients of all ages who live in Bondurant, Polk City, and all surrounding communities.