Good oral hygiene should always be practiced since the loss of a single tooth can have a major impact on your oral health. Although our dentists will use every measure to prevent tooth loss, there are still sometimes necessary occasions when a tooth may need to be extracted.
A tooth extraction is a dental procedure where a tooth is removed from your mouth. At Cavanaugh Dental in Lansing, MI, our skilled team understands that having a tooth pulled might sound scary, but we strive to make this process as comfortable as possible.
When you come to our office for an extraction, we’ll take the time to explain everything and answer all your questions. Our caring approach ensures you feel at ease throughout your visit with us.
Reasons You Might Need a Tooth Extraction
Our dentists might recommend removing a tooth for many reasons, including:
- Severe Decay: When a tooth is too damaged from decay to be fixed with a filling or crown
- Gum Disease: If gum disease has caused the tooth to become loose
- Broken Teeth: Teeth that are severely cracked or broken beyond repair
- Overcrowding: To make room for other teeth when your jaw is too small
- Infection Risk: To prevent infection from spreading to other parts of your mouth
- Wisdom Teeth Problems: When wisdom teeth are impacted or causing pain
- Baby Teeth: If baby teeth don’t fall out in time for permanent teeth
Wisdom teeth issues are a common reason for tooth extraction. These are the last molars to come in, usually when you’re between 17 and 25 years old. They often don’t have enough room to grow properly, which can lead to pain and other problems.
What to Expect During Your Tooth Extraction
We will take the time to explain what you can expect during and after your tooth extraction. Our goal is to provide efficient and comfortable preventive care so that you can enjoy a healthy recovery and improved oral health. If you have questions about the process, please don’t hesitate to contact us or ask our team when you arrive for your visit.
After careful examination and treatment, our dentist may advise having a tooth extracted. Many extractions can be completed in our Lansing office, but some cases may require a specialist to take care of.
For a simple extraction, we will first apply a local anesthetic to prevent pain and discomfort. The tooth will be loosened with a tool called an elevator and then removed with dental forceps. Once the procedure is complete, the area may be closed using stitches. We will then provide you with care instructions to alleviate discomfort and ensure proper healing.
Third molars, or “Wisdom Teeth,” are a very common dental extraction. Wisdom teeth usually appear in your teens or early twenties. Not all wisdom teeth require extraction, but often there isn’t enough room in the mouth for these teeth, and they can affect neighboring teeth.
Tooth extraction is a common procedure that both adults and children may need. Our dentists will inform you during your regularly scheduled visits if extraction is needed. For more information on extractions or to schedule an appointment, contact our Lansing dental office.
After Your Extraction
After your procedure, our team will provide specific instructions to help you recover comfortably at home. We’ll ask you to bite on gauze for about 30-45 minutes to reduce bleeding and help a blood clot form in the socket. You may experience some discomfort as the anesthesia wears off, so we’ll recommend appropriate pain medication to keep you comfortable. Applying ice to your cheek can help reduce swelling during the first 24 hours.
We suggest eating soft foods for a few days while your mouth heals. It’s important to avoid using straws, smoking, or spitting for at least 24 hours after your extraction, as these actions can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing. After the first day, gently rinsing with warm salt water can help keep the area clean.
Most patients feel back to normal within a few days, though complete healing takes a bit longer. We’ll schedule a follow-up visit if needed to check your healing progress and remove any stitches.
Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Many people wonder why wisdom teeth often need to be removed. Here are the main benefits:
- Preventing Pain and Discomfort: Wisdom teeth frequently cause pain when they try to push through your gums, especially if there isn’t enough room. Removing them stops this pain before it starts.
- Protecting Other Teeth: When wisdom teeth grow in crooked or sideways, they can push against your other molars. This can damage these healthy teeth or cause them to shift out of place.
- Reducing Infection Risk: Partially erupted wisdom teeth create small openings in your gums where bacteria can enter. This can lead to infections that cause pain, swelling, and even illness. Removing these teeth eliminates this risk.
- Preventing Cysts and Tumors: In rare cases, wisdom teeth that don’t erupt properly can develop cysts or tumors around them. These can damage your jawbone and nearby teeth if not treated.
- Making Oral Hygiene Easier: Wisdom teeth at the very back of your mouth are hard to clean properly. Removing them makes it easier to brush and floss, helping you maintain better oral health.
Why Choose Cavanaugh Dental for Your Tooth Extraction
At Cavanaugh Dental in Lansing, MI, we make your comfort our priority. Our team have years of experience performing gentle extractions with excellent results.
We understand that dental procedures can cause anxiety, so we take extra steps to make sure you feel relaxed and informed. From the moment you walk into our office until your follow-up care, we’re committed to providing compassionate service.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or have been told you might need an extraction, contact our friendly team at (517) 760-6845 or request an appointment online today. We’re here to help restore your smile and keep your mouth healthy for years to come.