Extractions

A tooth extraction is sometimes the best treatment to relieve pain and protect your long-term oral health. At Issaquah Dental Care in Issaquah, Washington, the experienced dental providers do everything possible to save a damaged or infected tooth. But, if an extraction is right for you, they do it safely and comfortably. Call the office or use the online tool to book an appointment to learn more about tooth extractions. 

What are tooth extractions?

If you have damaged, decayed, or bothersome teeth that can’t be repaired, accommodated, or saved, an extraction may be necessary. 

Extraction involves removing an existing tooth through a simple “pull” or minor surgery. Tooth extractions can relieve tooth pain, prevent the spread of decay, restore your bite, and protect your teeth from additional damage.

What happens during tooth extractions?

The providers at Issaquah Dental Care provide two types of extractions:

Simple extraction

Tooth extraction happens while you’re under local sedation. Simple extractions remove teeth that have emerged through the gum line. Your provider uses a dental tool called an elevator to loosen your tooth and then pulls the tooth and root out. 

Surgical extraction

If your problematic tooth is still mostly under the gum line, it requires a surgical extraction. Surgical extractions are commonly done to remove the wisdom teeth or fourth set of molars. 

During a surgical extraction, your provider makes a small incision in your gums and removes the trapped tooth. Sometimes, the dentist breaks up the impacted tooth to make it more accessible for removal. 

When are tooth extractions necessary?

Your dentist prefers to save a damaged tooth with crowns or root canals. But, extraction may be necessary if these treatments don’t work or aren’t an option. 

Reasons you may need an extraction include:

• Impacted wisdom teeth
• Tooth injury
• Tooth infection
• Severely decayed teeth
• Crowded teeth

Children may need extraction of baby teeth when they fail to fall out on their own, but adult teeth are poking through. Without extraction, the adult teeth may come in at an irregular angle. 

How do I heal from a tooth extraction?

Following your extraction, your dentist packs your mouth with gauze to stem any bleeding. Change this gauze every 30-45 minutes for a few hours until a natural blood clot forms. 

Once 24 hours have passed, you can brush and floss your teeth as long as you avoid the extraction area. Use over-the-counter anti-inflammatories or prescription medications to alleviate pain. 

Your dentist gives you complete instructions on managing your oral health for the first few days after extraction. Carefully follow these instructions, especially if you’ve had a surgical extraction. For example, avoid using a straw and stick to soft foods until the surgical site has healed. 

If you think you need a tooth extraction, contact Issaquah Dental Care today. Call the office or use the online tool to book your appointment.