Tooth Extraction – Casper, WY
Safely Remove Your Troublesome Tooth to Protect Your Smile
Do you have a problematic tooth that hurts enough to interfere with your ability to eat, speak, and smile normally? Although Dr. Prach typically does everything she can to preserve your natural teeth, if one is too injured to be repaired, it could put your dental health at risk. For instance, once the structure of your enamel is compromised, you’re at a greater risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and additional injuries.
Thankfully, Dr. Prach can safely remove your troublesome tooth to protect your smile with an extraction. Continue reading to learn more about this treatment and why it might be required, and feel free to contact us with additional questions.
Why Choose Erin M. Prach, DDS for Tooth Extractions?
- Active Member of the American Dental Association
- Advanced Technology to Enhance Patient Comfort
- Flexible Financing Available
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
If you’ve just learned that you need an extraction, it’s normal to have questions about the procedure, like why it’s being suggested. Generally, Dr. Prach prefers a more conservative approach, but there are some circumstances in which pulling a problematic tooth is the best way to preserve your grin, such as:
- Severe damage or decay.
- Allow successful placement of a restoration, like being fitted with dentures.
- Create space for orthodontic treatment.
- Address an impacted tooth.
This treatment tends to be recommended when your tooth has sustained too much harm to be effectively repaired with tooth-colored fillings, root canals, etc.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
It’s natural to feel nervous if you’ve just found out you need to have an aching tooth pulled, but rest assured, our team will do everything we can to help you feel calm and comfortable the entire time. First, we’ll numb the area with a local anesthetic to prevent the nerves in your teeth and jaw from sending pain signals to your brain.
Then, we’ll use a special instrument known as an ‘elevator’ to gently lift your tooth from the socket so we can grasp it with forceps and gently wiggle it free. If you have an impacted tooth or a molar that needs to be extracted, we might need to create a small incision in your gums and break the tooth apart before it can be safely removed from your jawbone.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Once your procedure is complete, your mouth must form a blood clot at the site to prevent infection. This clot shields the exposed nerves and bone tissue from bacteria, leftover food, and other debris in your mouth to prevent infection and/or a painful complication known as dry socket.
Following Dr. Prach’s post-op instructions closely is the best way to recover quickly without developing adverse effects. Typically, our team recommends that you:
- Take your meds. Take prescribed antibiotics, pain meds, or other medications as directed.
- Clean your mouth. For the first 24 hours, rinse with lukewarm salt water to gently disinfect your mouth without harming your blood clot.
- Don’t smoke. Tobacco products contain nicotine which suppresses your immune system, increasing the chances of an infection. Plus, the force of suction could dislodge your blood clot.
- Drink plenty of water. You’ll need to stay hydrated and keep your mouth clean, but sip from a cup or glass directly to avoid sucking on a straw.
- Get lots of rest. Activities that elevate your blood pressure or heartrate can injure your blood clot and should be avoided for a few days.
Tooth Extractions FAQs
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
It’s very common for patients to be concerned that the treatment they need – whether it’s a routine cleaning or a tooth extraction – will hurt. If that’s something that has been worrying you, we have good news: we go above and beyond to make your entire experience at our office painless. That starts with numbing your mouth thoroughly before we remove your tooth and extends to providing helpful aftercare instructions so you heal comfortably.
What Are My Options for Replacing a Missing Tooth?
If your tooth was removed due to extensive decay or damage, then we will recommend replacing it. Fortunately, there are several options available, including state-of-the-art dental implants. This cutting-edge solution comes with noteworthy perks, including the fact that yours can last for 30+ years with proper care. Not only that, but dental implants are the only tooth-replacement solution that stimulates your jawbone, preventing bone loss and preserving your youthful face shape in the process.
What Can I Do to Speed Up the Healing Time?
Patients are often antsy to get back to their usual routine. However, it’s crucial that you follow the aftercare instructions provided, like keeping your head elevated, eating only soft foods, and getting plenty of rest. If you do too much too soon, then you could prolong the healing process considerably.
How Should I Prepare for My Tooth Extraction?
Before your procedure, we will provide you with some helpful tips on how to prepare. To start, don’t smoke or drink alcohol. It’s also a good idea to get everything you need for the recovery period – from cold compresses to OTC pain medication – so you don’t have to go to the store when you should be resting. Last, but certainly not least, do your best to get a good night’s sleep the night before and eat a healthy, well-balanced breakfast the morning of your appointment (unless instructed otherwise, of course).
When Can I Eat After My Tooth Extraction?
When you leave our office, your mouth will still be numb. So, it’s important that you don’t eat right away. Once you’ve regained full sensation in your mouth (typically a few hours after you return home), you can eat. Choose soft foods that require very little chewing, like cottage cheese, plain yogurt, and seedless fruit smoothies.
If you have any lingering questions for us about tooth extractions – from what to expect from the procedure to how much it costs – don’t hesitate to give our Casper dental team a call!