Painlessly Removing Problematic Teeth
Although our number one goal is always to save a patient’s tooth, there are some cases when it’s infected or damaged to the point that the best way to restore their oral health is to remove it. If that’s the case for you, then our dedicated dentist, Dr. Renu Michelsen, will complete the extraction with the utmost care. If you are ready to schedule an appointment with her, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Otherwise, you can read on to learn more about this emergency dental treatment.
Why Choose Michelsen Dental for Tooth Extractions?
- Dentist with 20+ Years of Experience
- Flexible Financing Available with CareCredit
- Convenient Appointment Times
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
We only recommend a tooth extraction when we have exhausted all other options. Typically, this emergency dental procedure is necessary if:
- The tooth is decayed or damaged beyond the point of repair
- We need to make room in your mouth prior to orthodontic treatment
- The tooth is too weak to support a dental restoration
- A stubborn baby tooth will not fall out
The Process of Removing a Tooth
Having a tooth pulled doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, our Orange dental team wants your treatment to be as comfortable as possible and to make sure you have a pain-free experience. Usually, this can be accomplished by numbing your mouth, but we also offer sedation dentistry if you need a little extra help staying relaxed in the treatment chair.
Once you’re ready to begin, we’ll proceed with a simple or surgical extraction. With a simple extraction, we grip the tooth and rock it loose until it’s ready to be removed. With a surgical extraction, we create a small incision in the gums to access the tooth. Then, we remove it section by section before tending to the extraction site.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
After your tooth is pulled, you will be asked to:
- Avoid intense physical activities
- Brush and floss carefully, especially around the extraction site
- Eat only extremely soft foods
- Take prescribed or OTC pain medication as directed
- Change the gauze pads as needed
- Keep your head elevated, even while you’re sleeping
Tooth Extractions FAQs
Is There an Alternative to a Tooth Extraction?
As lifelike and durable as modern tooth replacements like dental implants are, nothing compares to the pearly whites you were born with. That’s why your dentist in Orange will typically only recommend a tooth extraction when there are no viable options to save your tooth. The answer to whether there’s an alternative to removing the tooth depends on the reason why an extraction is being recommended. For example, if the tooth is extremely decayed, then root canal therapy might be able to preserve it. However, if we’ve already discussed an extraction, then chances are slim that the tooth can be saved. Rest assured that in this situation, extracting the tooth is the healthiest option for your smile as a whole.
How Should I Prepare for My Tooth Extraction?
Following your aftercare instructions is crucial, but equally as important is making sure you’re prepared for your tooth extraction. Before your oral surgery procedure, feel free to ask us any questions you may have! If we have any specific guidelines, such as picking up prescription pain medications or only having water the morning of, be sure to follow those. We also highly suggest having a trusted friend or family member to drive you home after your extraction, as the anesthetic may make it unsafe for you to drive for the next several hours.
Can I Leave the Space Empty After a Tooth Extraction?
If you’re having a tooth removed that was located in the back of the mouth, you might not see the purpose in replacing it. After all, no one else can see it. However, each of your teeth is vital to the overall health of your mouth and even your whole body. When a back tooth is lost, chewing healthy foods can become difficult, leading to nutritional deficiencies. Not to mention, the surrounding teeth can drift out of alignment. For this reason, we always recommend (with the exception of wisdom teeth extractions in Orange, CA) that you schedule an appointment with us after you’ve healed from your tooth extraction to discuss replacement options.
How Soon After a Tooth Extraction Can I Get Dentures?
While it’s important to replace missing teeth in a timely manner, we’ll have to wait for your mouth to fully heal after getting your teeth extracted before we can begin the dentures process. In general, it will take around six to eight weeks to design, create, and place your final denture. After your mouth has healed, we’ll take impressions, which are sent to a partnered dental lab. The experienced lab technicians will craft your prosthetic teeth to match the size, shape, color, and proportions of your natural ones. Once we’ve received your denture, you’ll return to our office to try it on, and we’ll make any final adjustments if need be. Then, we’ll teach you how to care for your dentures to ensure your new smile will remain in great shape for years to come!
Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth are often a cause of problems for our patients. Over time, the diet of human beings has become less harsh, and we no longer need an extra set of teeth. Instead of being useful, our wisdom teeth cause crowding, decay, and bite problems. Many people choose to have all four wisdom teeth removed early on to avoid these problems. But if you have wisdom teeth that have come in and are now experiencing swelling, pain, or other discomforts, you may need an extraction. Wisdom teeth removal can provide just the relief you need.
Call our dentist in Orange today!
When you have teeth that are causing you pain or problems, call our office to schedule an appointment. We want you to feel better as soon as possible, and our team will serve you with a smile. Give us a call in Orange if you live in nearby Tustin, CA.
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