Why Would You Need A Tooth Extraction?
Protecting your smile and oral health is essential to your overall well-being, general health, and self confidence. Preventative care, like visiting the dentist for regular check-ups and teeth cleanings, can greatly benefit your dental hygiene and your smile. However, in cases where teeth are severely damaged or causing functional problems, extraction may be the only way to protect your dental health.
Dentists generally try to avoid extracting natural teeth in favor of more conservative treatments. However, if a tooth has been irreparably damaged by decay, infection, injury, or is causing the patient pain due to impaction, removal is usually the best option. Teeth may also be removed if they are going to interfere with planned orthodontic treatments.
The Process of Extracting A Tooth
At Today’s Dentistry in Vancouver, tooth extraction is a carefully conducted procedure our professionals perform with the utmost care and state of the art dental technology. Our oral surgeons in Vancouver, WA utilize advanced methods to remove teeth carefully and with as little discomfort as possible.
During extraction, patients receive local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. This ensures that there is no pain felt during the procedure, only pressure. For patients who may not be able to relax during the extraction process, or who will have to undergo extensive oral surgery, we also offer sedation dentistry in Vancouver, WA.
During the procedure, your dentist will slowly but firmly work the tooth from its socket. If the socket cannot be widened enough for the tooth to be removed, or the tooth simply isn’t budging, your dentist will section the tooth into pieces and remove them one at a time. Some teeth can actually require the partial removal of jaw bone if they are impacted at a horizontal angle.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Vancouver, WA
Wisdom teeth are our third set of molars and sit at the very back of the mouth. They are the last permanent teeth to emerge, usually erupting between the ages of 17 and 25. They are the most likely to require extraction due to the fact that human beings have evolved over time to have smaller jaws. Therefore, for many people, their wisdom teeth simply won’t fit beside the rest of their teeth.
Some patients’ wisdom teeth erupt with no issue, others are born without wisdom teeth, but the majority of people require wisdom tooth removal. Usually, this is due to impaction, which is when a tooth gets stuck in the gum tissue during the eruption process, causing pressure, pain, and sometimes infection. Other times, wisdom teeth may not emerge past the gum tissue at all, but their positioning results in pressure being put on nearby teeth.
Wisdom teeth may also be removed if they become infected for any reason, damaged, or it’s likely that they will cause issues later based on their positioning. If a patient’s teeth are already overcrowded, for example, and the eruption of their wisdom teeth could cause further crowding and pain, the team at Today’s Dentistry will likely recommend wisdom teeth extraction in Vancouver, WA.
Tooth Extraction Cost in Vancouver, WA
In Vancouver, wisdom teeth extraction and other tooth extractions will always vary in cost depending on how extensive each procedure is and whether there is infection present. For example, impacted wisdom teeth that are sitting at an angle will typically cost more to remove than a damaged molar that fully erupted years ago.
To find out more about wisdom teeth removal cost in Vancouver and other extraction procedures, contact us at Today’s Dentistry to schedule a consultation with our experienced dental professionals.
Emergency Tooth Extraction in Vancouver, WA
In many cases, dental injuries and unexpected issues, such as a bad toothache or dental abscess, can result in tooth extraction. Fortunately, when this occurs, Today’s Dentistry is here to help. When it comes to dental emergencies, our team is available on short notice to provide same-day appointments, X-rays, consultations, and emergency extractions when necessary.
Tooth Replacement
In some cases, tooth extraction is the best course of action in order to preserve a patient’s oral health, but it can cause other issues to arise later on, such as tooth shifting, a heightened risk of gum disease, bite misalignment, cosmetic concerns, etc. This is why Today’s Dentistry also offers several tooth replacement solutions, including:
Today’s Dentistry’s tooth replacement services in Vancouver allow patients to protect the appearance and functionality of their smiles after tooth extraction.
Post-Extraction Care for Patients
After tooth extraction surgery, you will feel groggy and need a friend or family member to take you home. It is recommended that you lie down with your head propped up on a pillow to reduce bleeding. If bleeding continues for longer than 24 hours, contact our office immediately.
The gauze your dentist places at the surgery site will need to be changed occasionally, and you will be given instructions on how to take prescribed pain medication to alleviate discomfort. An ice pack should be used to reduce swelling.
For the first few days following extraction, your mouth will be sore, so it’s important to only eat soft foods, avoid things that are very hot or cold, such as ice cream, and avoid smoking. Also, do not use straws during your recovery period, as the sucking motion can slow clotting and loosen sutures.
For more information on extraction aftercare, contact our dental office at (360) 356-7791.
Today’s Dentistry – Extraction for Wisdom Teeth in Vancouver, WA
If you’re looking for a dentist who can provide wisdom tooth extraction in Vancouver, or other forms of tooth extraction and oral surgery, contact Today’s Dentistry. Our team is here to ensure that you receive the professional care you need to protect your smile.
Call today, or contact us online to schedule an appointment. During your consultation, we may recommend sedation dentistry to make your extraction procedure more comfortable.
