Fortunately, with the advancements in modern dentistry, teeth that had to be extracted just a few years ago can now predictably be saved. However, there are still times when it is in the best interest of the patient to remove a tooth that is badly broken down.
When You May Need an Asheville Tooth Extraction
An Asheville tooth extraction can be avoided in many cases, but not in others. A tooth may need to be extracted in the following situations:
- Overcrowding. We work closely with many of Asheville’s well trained orthodontists to determine if a patient’s mouth is too small for his or her permanent teeth. When you have extra teeth, or their size does not fit the jaw arch properly, tooth extractions may be necessary.
- Baby teeth. Baby teeth begin falling out around age six . However, each child is different and some kids may not begin losing their baby teeth until a couple years later. Regardless, if your child has a baby tooth that won’t fall out and is disrupting the eruption of the permanent teeth, an extraction may be needed.
- Wisdom teeth. Although some people retain their wisdom teeth without consequences, most people experience wisdom teeth that need to be removed. A patient’s overcrowding, impaction, certain jaw pain and gum infection will be remedied with the removal these teeth.
- Infected or damaged teeth. Root canal therapy can often heal an abscessed tooth, therefore maintaining your natural function and aesthetics. However, if the tooth is too infected or badly broken down, an extraction is necessary. Extracting a tooth may also be the only treatment option in a case with advanced bone loss caused by periodontal disease.
What to Expect at Your Asheville Tooth Extraction Appointment:
After it has been determined that extracting a tooth is the best treatment plan, Doctor Saunders will carefully review your options to make the procedure as comfortable as possible.
During your appointment, your mouth will be properly numbed with local anesthesia. For patients that have mild to moderate anxiety our office can administer nitrous oxide and/or prescribe medication that can be taken before the appointment. The combination of oral medication and nitrous oxide helps us treat most patients that need oral surgery. Regardless of which anesthesia option you need, you can be assured that we will do our best to make your appointment as comfortable as possible.
Following the Asheville Tooth Extraction:
After your tooth or teeth have been extracted, you’ll need a few days to recover. Take all medications as prescribed, and be sure to change gauze pads as directed by your Asheville dentist, Dr. Saunders. You may also need to:
- Use ice. Ice can help with swelling, especially after wisdom teeth removal. Keep ice on for a few minutes, then off for a few minutes. This will also help to reduce inflammation and encourage healing.
- Relax. No vigorous activity after you’ve had an Asheville tooth extraction. Give yourself a few days to return to normal activities.
- Be gentle. Forceful brushing and flossing can damage your delicate extraction site, and all of these activities should be avoided around the site. Be gentle when brushing, flossing, rinsing, and chewing after your tooth extraction.
- Stick to softer foods. It’ll be best to avoid sticky or hard foods for a couple days after your extraction. Talk with your dentist in Asheville, Dr. Saunders, about what foods are safe to eat.
Not every patient will need a tooth extraction in Asheville. Although wisdom teeth extractions are very common, you can help prevent the need for other tooth extractions with regular checkups, proper home health care techniques, and ensuring that your children brush and floss regularly. Give our Asheville dentist services practice a call for an appointment regarding wisdom teeth removal or other Asheville tooth extractions: 828-277-6060.