Extractions

What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction

Patients suffering from severe tooth decay or dental trauma may require a tooth extraction, which is necessary when the tooth cannot be salvaged by a filling, dental crown, or any other restorative treatment. Serving Carrollton, OH, and surrounding areas, Dowell Dental Group aims to make your treatment as comfortable as possible. In addition to using gentle techniques, we also offer oral conscious sedation for patients who are nervous about discomfort during the tooth extraction procedure. Drs. Stephen C. Dowell is committed to providing the highest quality dental care in a soothing and relaxing environment.    

When is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?

Your natural teeth provide optimal function, and it is always preferable to repair and save them when possible. Sometimes, however, the damage is too extensive to be addressed with restorative treatments. Situations that may require a tooth extraction include:

• Extensive decay that cannot be addressed with a filling or dental crown
• A fracture that extends to the tooth root
• Bone loss caused by periodontal disease
• Infection that cannot be addressed with root canal therapy
• Teeth that are impacted in the gums or bone
• Severe crowding of the teeth

In addition, wisdom teeth are commonly removed. Most patients' jaws are not large enough to accommodate these molars without a significant risk of complications.

The Tooth Extraction Process

To begin the procedure, local anesthesia will be administered to numb the gums and surrounding tissues. Patients who require additional sedation will receive instructions on when to take their oral medication during a prior appointment and they will need to have a loved one accompany them to our office.

Because our team values comfort, we take several measure to reduce your stress and anxiety during an extraction.

Once you are comfortable and relaxed, the doctor will gently loosen the tooth with a special instrument called an elevator. In some cases, incisions may need to be made in the gum tissue to gain better access to the treatment area. Once the tooth is ready to be removed, it will be carefully lifted from the socket with forceps. Stitches may be necessary to close the site and promote proper healing.

Recovery Following a Tooth Extraction

Some degree of discomfort is to be expected following a tooth extraction but an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, is typically sufficient to manage this concern. To further decrease inflammation, a cold compress can be gently applied to the external surface of the surgical site. Slight bleeding is normal and can be minimized by biting down on a gauze pad using firm, steady pressure. Once the blood clot has formed on the surgical site, it is important not to disturb it. Avoid drinking through a straw, spitting, smoking, or swishing vigorously. Minimizing physical activity for the first few days will also help encourage proper healing.

If stitches were placed, they will dissolve on their own during the first week. If your stitches are not dissolvable, your doctor will schedule you for an appointment to have them removed.

A Focus on Your Comfort

At Dowell Dental Group, we embrace a patient-centric philosophy. We believe visiting the dentist should be pleasant from start to finish. Because our team values comfort, we provide patients with a deeply relaxing, spa-like experience that reduces stress and anxiety. In addition to exceptional dental care, you can also enjoy luxurious amenities for any type of visit, including warm blankets, aromatherapy, and massaging dental chairs. These simple touches can make a tooth extraction procedure less stressful.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are experiencing discomfort, or you suspect you may need a tooth extraction, schedule an appointment with one of our doctors. You can call one of our three office locations, or contact us online.