Extractions

A tooth extraction is sometimes a necessary treatment if you have crowding, decay, or impaction. Chris Martin, DDS, Judy Peng, DDS, and the providers at Contemporary Dental Care of Mt. Vernon in Mount Vernon, Ohio, perform expert extractions to help you manage your long-term oral health. If you need an extraction, call the office today or use the online tool to book an appointment.

When are tooth extractions necessary?

A tooth extraction isn’t usually the first course of treatment. But if you have a severely damaged tooth or one that has been infiltrated by decay, you may have no other choice. 

Some of the most common reasons for extraction include the following:

• Risk of infection from an unsuccessful root canal
• Advanced gum (periodontal) disease
• Extra or crowded teeth
• No room for wisdom teeth (third molars)
• Risk of infection during an organ transplant or chemotherapy

Before recommending extraction, your dentist at Contemporary Dental Care of Mt. Vernon explores treatments to save your natural tooth. 

What happens during a tooth extraction?

The type of tooth extraction you undergo depends on your case.

Simple extraction

Simple extractions are for teeth that are visible above the gum line. After administering a local anesthetic, your dentist uses a tool called an elevator to gently loosen the affected tooth. They then pull it out with dental forceps. 

Surgical extraction

If you have problematic teeth that are broken off at the gum line or have not yet fully grown into the mouth, you’ll need a surgical extraction. Your dentist uses local or intravenous sedation to reduce any pain during the procedure. They make a small cut in your gum to lift the tooth out. Depending on the tooth and its location, your dentist may need to break it into smaller pieces before full extraction. 

What should I expect during healing from a tooth extraction?

The providers at Contemporary Dental Care of Mt. Vernon give you comprehensive after-care instructions. If you have a simple extraction, you’ll have some soreness as new bone and gum tissue grow into the space of the missing tooth. You should avoid crunchy foods and brushing the area of extraction for several days. 

After surgical extraction, you’ll need to take extra care not to dislodge the blood clots that seal up the space left by the missing tooth. Eat soft foods, avoid high-impact activities, and don’t drink from a straw for several days following the extraction. Over-the-counter pain medications help you manage any lingering pain. 

Make an appointment online or call Contemporary Dental Care of Mt. Vernon to learn more about tooth extractions.

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