Tooth Extractions in TACOMA
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Did you know…
After extraction, the pain should subside more and more each day. If you notice the pain becoming worse, this could be a sign of dry socket.
what to expect during your extraction appointment in tacoma
consultation
During your consultation, our dentist in Tacoma will examine your tooth and take x-rays to look for signs of infection or damage to the dental pulp. Other treatment options will be considered before resorting to extraction.
sedation options
Before we begin the extraction process, we will administer local anesthesia for a basic tooth extraction. If you need a surgical extraction, additional sedation will likely be required, such as general anesthesia.
incision (surgical)
To gain access to an impacted tooth, we will need to make an incision into your gums to reveal the tooth.
loosening the tooth
The tooth is loosened with a dental elevator that is used to rock the tooth back and forth.
extraction
Once the ligaments have been released and the tooth has been loosened in the socket, forceps are used to remove it. Surgical incisions are sutured shut.
tooth extraction options in Tacoma
basic extraction
A basic tooth extraction is performed on teeth that have fully erupted and can be seen in the mouth. We will numb your mouth with local anesthesia and then loosen the tooth in its socket with a dental elevator. This severs the ligaments that hold your tooth in place. We’re then able to get a firm hold of the tooth with forceps and remove it from the socket.
wisdom tooth extraction
Surgical extractions are required to remove impacted teeth such as wisdom teeth or if you have suffered from dental trauma that has caused a tooth to break at the gum line. An incision is made into your gums to reveal the difficult-to-access tooth.
The tooth may also be sectioned (cut into fragments) for easier removal. From there, the tooth is loosened and removed in the same manner as a basic extraction, with a dental elevator and forceps.
Did you know…
It is normal to experience mild bleeding post-extraction for up to 48-72 hours.
have questions about extractions? find answers here:
do tooth extractions hurt?
No, tooth extractions are not painful because we use an anesthetic so you don’t feel any pain. Surgical extractions are usually performed under general anesthesia so you would be completely unconscious for this procedure and not remember anything.
The most pain and discomfort you will feel is during the recovery process, once the anesthetic has worn off. The pain or tenderness should be mild and can be alleviated with prescribed or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medication and by icing the area.
how long does it take to heal?
Surgical extractions take longer to heal than basic extractions because we have to open up your gums. While healing timelines vary from person to person, you can expect the socket to be fully closed within 2 weeks and completely healed within 3-4 weeks.
do you need to replace a missing tooth?
You do not always need to replace a missing tooth. Wisdom teeth do not need to be removed because they are considered an extra set of molars that we no longer need and often do not have enough room for in the jaw. However, other missing teeth should be replaced to prevent bone loss which can lead to shifting teeth, orthodontic problems, and premature facial sagging.
Did you know…
Stainless steel crowns are typically used to restore baby or primary teeth in children.