Experiencing Toothache Troubles? Find Lasting Relief at Dentiste
Do nagging toothaches have you reaching for pain relievers more often than you’d like? At Dentiste, our skilled dentist in Kirkland, WA, understands the discomfort and disruption that tooth pain can cause. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to address your dental concerns and restore your smile’s health and beauty.
Contact us today at (425) 284-0515 to schedule a consultation and discover the difference that expert dental care can make.
What is Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction, while often considered a last resort, is a common dental procedure with a long history. In modern dentistry, extractions are performed for various reasons, from managing impacted wisdom teeth to addressing severe decay or infection.
When is Tooth Extraction Necessary?
Several factors can necessitate tooth extraction in Kirkland, WA:
- Severe Decay: When a tooth is extensively damaged by cavities, it may become impossible to repair with fillings or crowns.
- Gum Disease: Advanced gum disease can lead to bone loss around the teeth, making them loose and prone to infection. Extraction may be necessary to prevent further complications.
- Impacted Teeth: Impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth, often fail to erupt properly, becoming trapped beneath the gum line. This can cause pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth.
- Injury: Trauma to the mouth can result in chipped, cracked, or severely damaged teeth that may require extraction.
- Orthodontic Treatment: In some cases, tooth extraction is necessary to create space for proper alignment of the remaining teeth during orthodontic treatment.
Why Choose Dr. Roberts in Kirkland for Tooth Removal?
At Dentiste, we’re committed to making your dental visits a positive experience. Our Kirkland, WA, office is designed with your comfort in mind. Step into a welcoming reception area where calming scents, fresh flowers, and even our friendly support dog, JoJo, help ease any pre-appointment nerves.
We value your time. To minimize waiting, we utilize advanced technology like the iTero® digital scanner, eliminating the need for messy, traditional impressions. This makes your visit more efficient and comfortable.
Experience the Dentiste difference. Schedule your consultation today by calling (425) 284-0515 to discover a dental office that prioritizes your comfort and well-being.
Types of Tooth Extraction
Dr. Roberts at Dentiste in Kirkland, WA, will carefully assess each patient’s individual needs and develop a personalized treatment plan. The extraction procedure itself may vary depending on the complexity of the case.
- Simple Extraction: This involves removing a tooth that is fully visible and easily accessible.
- Surgical Extraction: More complex extractions, such as those involving impacted wisdom teeth, may require surgical techniques. This can include cutting the gum tissue, removing bone, and sectioning the tooth before removal.
Tooth Extraction Process
Anesthesia and Sedation
Local anesthesia is the most common type, numbing the specific area around the tooth. For patients with dental anxiety, mild sedation may be administered to relax them during the procedure
In some cases, such as complex extractions or for patients with severe dental anxiety, general anesthesia may be used. This involves administering medication that puts you to sleep during the procedure.
Tooth Removal
For easily accessible teeth, the dentist loosens the tooth with an instrument called an elevator and then removes it with forceps. This is a relatively straightforward procedure.
More complex extractions may require surgical techniques, which may include making an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth, removing some bone around the tooth to gain access, dividing the tooth into smaller pieces for easier removal, and impacted wisdom teeth often require surgical extraction due to their position and angulation.
Aftercare for Tooth Extraction
Following a tooth extraction, proper aftercare is crucial for a smooth and speedy recovery. Here’s a general guide:
- Control Bleeding: Bite down firmly on gauze pads placed over the extraction site as directed by your dentist. This helps to form a blood clot, which is essential for healing. If bleeding continues, replace the gauze and continue to apply pressure.
- Pain Management: If experiencing discomfort, your dentist may recommend over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Follow the recommended dosage.
- Ice Packs: Apply ice packs to the outside of your face, near the extraction site, to reduce swelling and discomfort. Apply ice for 20 minutes at a time, followed by a 20-minute break.
- Dietary Guidelines: Refrain from hot liquids as they can dislodge the blood clot and increase discomfort. Eat soft foods and avoid drinking through straws, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot.
- Oral Hygiene: Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day, starting 24 hours after the extraction. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
- Follow-up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your dentist to monitor healing and address concerns following oral and maxillofacial surgery.
