Tooth extractions, while not the most glamorous of dental procedures, are sometimes necessary for maintaining optimal oral health. This procedure involves removing one or more teeth from your mouth, typically due to decay, damage, or crowding. At Smile Pathway Dental, Dr. Simon Wu provides safe and comfortable tooth extractions in Riverside, CA. Using advanced techniques and equipment, he ensures minimal discomfort and a swift recovery. Whether you're dealing with a painful toothache, a broken tooth, or preparing for orthodontic treatment, you can trust Dr. Wu to deliver exceptional care and effective solutions.
DID YOU KNOW?
Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body!
Why Should I Get Tooth Extractions?
Tooth extractions are often a last resort, but in some cases, they're the best option for preserving your oral health. If a tooth is severely damaged or decayed, extraction can prevent the spread of infection and alleviate pain. Similarly, if your mouth is overcrowded, removing a tooth can make room for proper alignment. Our Riverside dentist at Smile Pathway Dental in, is highly skilled in performing tooth extractions with precision and care. He will ensure you understand the reasons for the extraction and guide you through the entire process.
Get To The Root Of The Problem
With digital x-rays, we get high-resolution images of your teeth that allow us to make more accurate diagnoses. When you’re in pain or experiencing an emergency, we can see why the tooth is reacting and if an extraction is needed.
Sedation Options For Maximum Comfort
We know extractions can feel scary, so let’s take the fear out of your treatment. Sedation can mitigate your anxiety and keep you calm during your procedure. Ask about our sedation options and we’ll help find a solution that works for you.
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The Benefits Of Tooth Extractions
Pain Relief
One of the primary benefits of tooth extraction is pain relief. A tooth that is severely decayed or damaged can cause significant discomfort. By extracting the tooth, Dr. Wu can alleviate this pain and prevent further complications. He uses modern techniques to ensure the extraction process is as comfortable as possible.
Prevents Spread of Infection
If a tooth is infected or at risk of infection, extraction can prevent the issue from spreading to other teeth or areas of the mouth. This is particularly important for patients with weakened immune systems or certain health conditions. Dr. Wu will carefully evaluate your situation to determine if extraction is the best course of action.
Prepares for Orthodontic Treatment
If your teeth are overcrowded, extraction can create the necessary space for orthodontic treatment. This allows for better alignment and improves the effectiveness of treatments like braces. Dr. Wu will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your unique needs and goals.
The Tooth Extraction Treatment Process
Assessment and Planning
Whether you need a one off extraction or several teeth removed in preparation for additional services, your treatment plan is created specifically for you and your needs. You doctor will discuss all options and give you the final sign off so we can get your smile back on track in the way that makes you most comfortable.
Anesthesia
Before the extraction, Dr. Wu will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. This ensures that you feel no pain during the procedure. If you're particularly nervous, we may offer sedation options to help you relax.
Extraction
Once the area is numb, Dr. Wu will carefully extract the tooth. He uses specialized tools and techniques to minimize trauma to the surrounding tissue and ensure a smooth recovery. Your dentist will then give you aftercare instructions to ensure your tooth is healing properly.
Before & Afters
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is tooth extraction necessary?
Tooth extractions may be necessary for patients suffering from an extremely severe cavity, severe damage from oral trauma, or an infected tooth that cannot be saved with root canal therapy. In most cases, it is possible to save your tooth with a crown or root canal therapy, but sometimes an extraction may be your only option.
Improper wisdom teeth growth is the most common reason for tooth extractions. If your dentist sees that your wisdom teeth are impacted or failing to erupt properly, an extraction may be recommended to ensure that your other teeth remain healthy. Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth to be removed, however. Consult with your dentist to find out if your wisdom teeth are or will be a problem.
A tooth extraction may be required if severe periodontal disease is compromising the health of the tooth, causing it to loosen from the gums. Your dentist may want to extract these teeth to prepare you for a strong and long-lasting tooth replacement option, such as dental implants or dentures.
Will I be in pain after my extraction and how long does it take to heal?
Thanks to numbing and sedation treatments, you won’t feel any pain or discomfort during or immediately after your extraction procedure. However, symptoms such as pain, discomfort, swelling, bruising, and bleeding may begin to arise within a few hours following your extraction. While these symptoms tend to peak within the first 2-3 days, they will begin to fade as you continue to heal. Make sure to eat a diet of mostly soft foods for about 5-7 days after your treatment to prevent impact and agitation.
It will take about 1-2 weeks to completely heal from the extraction. By carefully following the recovery instructions provided to you by your dentist, you can enhance the healing progress. It is not normal to endure severe pain and discomfort 1-2 weeks after your extraction, so contact your dentist for a follow-up appointment if you are experiencing these symptoms.
Are extractions covered by insurance?
Extractions that are required to remove impacted wisdom teeth, or damaged or decayed teeth, are typically covered by insurance. To fully understand your coverage and benefits, we recommend that you contact your insurance provider.
Will I need a bone graft after my extraction?
In many cases, we will recommend a bone graft after an extraction. By performing a ridge preservation graft, we can fill the space left by the extracted tooth to maintain the integrity of your jawbone. Not only does this help preserve your bone, it can also provide a solid foundation for a dental implant in the future.