Extractions

At Lake Five Dentistry, we are committed to helping every patient maintain the best oral health possible. Part of that promise involves doing whatever we can to help you keep your natural teeth.

However, even with diligent dental hygiene and regular dental exams and cleanings, you may find yourself in a situation where a tooth extraction is the best option. If that’s the case, you can trust our dental team to provide comfortable extractions for you and your family.

When Does a Tooth Require Extraction?

Several dental situations make extraction the best choice for your oral health. Some of these include the following:

  • Severe tooth decay
  • Severe tooth damage
  • Severe infection or abscess
  • Loose teeth because of advanced periodontal disease
  • Crowded teeth
  • Orthodontic preparation

If we decide you need a tooth extraction, you can be confident we will listen to your concerns and answer any questions before forming a treatment plan.

We understand that the thought of a tooth extraction can cause stress and anxiety, so we pride ourselves on informing you about the procedure and helping you realize that an extraction will improve your overall oral health.

Understanding the Process

Our goal is to ensure your comfort and peace of mind during the extraction process; that’s why we provide televisions, comfortable chairs, and neck pillows in our treatment rooms to help you relax before the extraction procedure.

Once you are comfortable, here’s what you can expect from this straightforward dental procedure:

1. We will give you a local anesthetic to numb the entire area surrounding your tooth. You will not feel any pain during the extraction, but you will feel pressure.

2. Next, we will loosen the tooth with a dental instrument known as an elevator.

3. Then, we will remove your tooth from the gums and clean out the gum socket.

4. If necessary, we will use stitches to close your gums.

5. Finally, you will bite down on gauze to stop any minor bleeding.

Caring for Your Extraction Site

After your extraction, your mouth will be numb for several hours; once the anesthetic wears off, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers to help with discomfort or place an ice pack on your face, which will also help reduce swelling.

You must allow a blood clot to form on the extraction site, so follow these care tips to ensure the best results:

  • Avoid drinking from a straw for at least 24 hours because it can disturb the blood clot and lead to a painful condition known as a dry socket.
  • Eat soft foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, oatmeal, and soup. Avoid hard and crunchy foods for several days.
  • Chew on the opposite side of your mouth, and avoid touching the extraction site with your tongue.
  • Gently brush and floss your teeth, and rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
  • Call your Colgate dentist if you have questions or concerns.

Gentle Dental Care in Colgate, WI

If you need a tooth extraction or want to schedule an appointment with our dental team, we are ready to take your call. At Lake Five Dentistry, we will work to preserve your natural teeth, but if you need an extraction, we are here for you. Call our dental office at (262) 628-0555 for more information.