A tooth extraction is a general dental procedure where a tooth is removed from its socket in the bone. We perform tooth extractions with care and precision at Premier Dental. Dr. Aric Kuehner gently removes problem teeth to ensure your comfort throughout the process.
What is a Tooth Extraction?
The two main types of tooth extractions at our dental practice in Clyde, OH, are:
- Simple Extraction: This is performed on teeth that are visible in your mouth. During a simple extraction, Dr. Kuehner will loosen the tooth with a special tool called an elevator and then remove it with dental forceps.
- Surgical Extraction: This is a more complex procedure used for teeth that have broken off at the gum line or haven’t fully emerged from the gum. Dr. Kuehner makes a small cut into your gum to remove the tooth, sometimes dividing it into smaller pieces to make removal easier.
Reasons for Needing a Tooth Extraction
Dr. Kuehner might recommend removing a tooth for several reasons. Severe tooth decay that has damaged a tooth beyond repair often necessitates extraction when a filling or crown won’t solve the problem. Advanced gum disease can cause teeth to loosen, requiring removal to prevent further issues.
Teeth severely broken or damaged from trauma might need extraction if they cannot be saved. In some cases, an overcrowded mouth requires extractions to prepare for orthodontic treatment, especially when teeth are too large for proper alignment.
For patients with compromised immune systems, Dr. Kuehner might recommend removing a tooth that poses an infection risk, even if the infection is only a possibility. Impacted wisdom teeth that don’t have room to grow properly often need removal to prevent pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth.
What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction
Before the Procedure
Dr. Kuehner will take an X-ray of your tooth to help plan the best way to remove it. Tell Dr. Kuehner about any medications you take and your medical history to prevent complications during the extraction.
During the Procedure
Dr. Kuehner will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area around your tooth so you’ll feel pressure but not pain during the extraction. For a simple extraction, Dr. Kuehner will loosen the tooth and gently remove it with forceps.
For a surgical extraction, he’ll make a small cut in your gum and may need to remove some bone around the tooth or cut the tooth into pieces before removing it. After the tooth is removed, a gauze pad will be placed over the socket to help a blood clot form.
After the Procedure
You’ll receive detailed instructions for care after your extraction. These typically include applying ice to reduce swelling and taking pain medications as prescribed. We recommend eating soft foods for a few days and avoiding drinking through straws, smoking, and spitting forcefully, as these actions can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket.
Gently rinsing your mouth with salt water 24 hours after the extraction helps keep the area clean. Most simple extractions heal within one to two weeks. Dr. Kuehner will schedule a follow-up appointment to check your healing progress if needed.
Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal
The wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to develop and appear in your mouth. They usually come in between the ages of 17 and 25. Because they are the last to develop, there often isn’t enough room left in your mouth for them to grow properly.
Removing problematic wisdom teeth offers several benefits. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause significant pain when they push against other teeth or become infected, so removal prevents this discomfort. The procedure also reduces the risk of infection, because partially erupted wisdom teeth create openings for bacteria to enter around the tooth.
Another important benefit is protecting your other teeth. When wisdom teeth come in at an angle, they can push against your second molars, potentially damaging them or increasing their risk of infection. Removing them prevents overcrowding that can cause your other teeth to shift, undoing years of orthodontic work and creating new alignment problems.
Even wisdom teeth that come in properly can be difficult to clean because of their location at the back of the mouth. Removing them can prevent future decay and gum disease that might otherwise be difficult to treat due to their position.
At Premier Dental, we carefully evaluate each patient’s situation to determine if wisdom teeth removal is necessary. We use X-rays to see the position of your wisdom teeth and recommend removal only when it will benefit your overall dental health.
Our Commitment to Your Comfort
At Dr. Aric Kuehner’s dental practice in Clyde, OH, we understand that tooth extractions can cause anxiety for many patients. Our team is committed to making your experience as comfortable as possible. We take the time to answer all your questions, explain each step of the procedure, and ensure you’re properly numbed before beginning.
Our modern dental facility is equipped with the latest technology to make extractions efficient and minimize recovery time. Dr. Kuehner’s gentle approach and years of experience mean you’re in good hands for any tooth extraction procedure.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you have tooth pain or have been told you might need a tooth extraction, contact Dr. Aric Kuehner’s office in Clyde, OH today. Our friendly staff will schedule your consultation and help you take the first step toward a healthier smile.