What to Expect with Tooth Extractions
Oral hygiene isn’t a “one and done” deal. If you want an enduring healthy smile, you’ll need to take good care of your teeth for life. Even then, there may come a time when you need a tooth extraction. Dental trauma, untreated decay, and gum disease are just a few factors that could lead to losing natural teeth. Fortunately, tooth extractions are, for the most part, safe, straightforward dental procedures and can be performed by your Salem, Oregon dentist from White Sage Dentistry.
Situations That Warrant Tooth Removal
Typically, dentists make every effort to save natural teeth. However, if a tooth has suffered irreparable damage or is putting other teeth at risk, your Salem dentist, Dr. Shruti Jadeja, may recommend extraction to restore your oral health. Here are some situations that may warrant extraction:
- Severely decayed or infected teeth – If your tooth can’t be treated with a filling or restored by root canal therapy, it will need to be extracted to keep the infection from spreading
- Problematic wisdom teeth – Wisdom teeth removal may be necessary if these teeth are impacted, infected, painful or threatening the health of nearby teeth
- Severely damaged tooth – A tooth that’s sustained severe damage due to dental trauma may need to be extracted as it could open the door for oral infection that can spread to healthy teeth. Dr. Jadeja offers emergency tooth extraction services for dental injuries when needed
- Crowded teeth – If you’re planning to have orthodontic treatment, one or more teeth may need to be removed to make space for crooked teeth to be straightened
Painless Tooth Extraction at White Sage Dentistry, Salem, Oregon
At White Sage Dentistry, we’ll numb your tooth with a local anesthetic for your extraction procedure, so you feel no discomfort or pain. We offer both simple and surgical extractions to meet your unique dental care needs. We’ll also provide clear instructions on how to care for the extraction site afterward to help expedite your healing and recovery.
To schedule a consultation for tooth extraction services, contact White Sage Dentistry in Salem, OR at (503) 877-1626.
When would I need a tooth extraction?
We do all we can to help our patients keep their natural teeth, but sometimes an extraction is the best option for your smile. You may need to consider an extraction if you have badly decayed or infected teeth, impacted wisdom teeth, badly damaged teeth, or over-crowded teeth. We will discuss all your options with you before an extraction.
Is tooth extraction painful?
No, we are experienced at providing painless tooth extractions. Before any tooth extraction, we will numb the area so that you don’t feel any discomfort and will do all we can to give you a comfortable extraction experience.
How long does a tooth extraction take?
Every extraction is different and may be simple or surgical in nature, so the amount of time the process will take depends on a number of factors. Generally, the extraction itself is a relatively quick process, but in some complex cases, we may take a little more time to ensure that the tooth is extracted safely and completely.
How long will it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
Recovery time may vary based on the complexity of the extraction, your overall oral health, and how well you follow post-extraction instructions. Generally, it takes about 1 to 2 weeks for the extraction site to fully heal, but initial healing can occur within the first few days, and discomfort or swelling should gradually diminish during this time.
How do I care for the extraction site?
After the extraction, you should bite down gently on a gauze pad placed over the site to help control bleeding. Avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting for the first 24 hours, and follow any dietary restrictions provided by your dentist. Take any prescribed pain medications, and maintain good oral hygiene by gently brushing your teeth, while avoiding the extraction site and using a saltwater rinse after 24 hours to keep the area clean. Don’t touch the extraction site with your tongue or fingers, and avoid smoking, using a straw, or consuming hard or chewy foods.
