Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from the socket in the jawbone. Extractions are necessary for a number of reasons, including tooth decay, infection, trauma, crowding, gum disease, and preparation for orthodontic treatment.

At Alta View Dental Care, we offer gentle extractions that minimize pain and stress. We’ll discuss any tooth replacement options during your consultation.

Why Might You Need An Extraction?

There are a variety of reasons why you might need an extraction. Some of the most common reasons include:

Impacted wisdom teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a variety of problems, including crowding, damage to adjacent teeth, and infection. If your wisdom teeth are impacted, we may recommend an extraction.

Severe tooth decay: Severe tooth decay is also a common reason to have teeth extracted. When decay is severe, it can affect the roots and nerves of the tooth. If left untreated, this can cause pain and lead to further complications.

Periodontal disease: Additionally, if a tooth is decayed below the gum line, we may recommend a root canal instead of an extraction. However, if a tooth is severely damaged and cannot be saved with a root canal, we may recommend an extraction.

Orthodontic treatment: You may need a tooth extraction to create space for your teeth for orthodontic treatment.

What Can You Expect During Recovery Process?

• After tooth extraction, you can expect some bleeding, inflammation, and discomfort for a few days. These symptoms can be minimized by cleaning your mouth with salt water, using ice packs, and following other instructions provided by your dental team.
• After the tooth removal, your jawbone and gums will be tender. You should avoid eating on the side of your mouth where the tooth was extracted. Instead, feed the rest of your mouth. Your dentist may recommend a soft food diet in the beginning following your extraction to maintain a proper diet.
• After your extractions, to clean your mouth, you can simply rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water. This will help get rid of any food particles or other debris in your mouth that can cause an infection.
• Your dentist will most likely recommend an over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These medications help reduce swelling and pain. You can take these medications as directed on the packaging.
• Drinking plenty of fluids after a tooth extraction is important. It can help you stay hydrated and reduce bleeding.
• While your mouth is still healing, it’s important to continue to brush and floss your teeth. Be sure to use a toothbrush with soft bristle and fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to brush your teeth gently but thoroughly.

Alta View Dental Care, located in Sandy, UT, has expert dentists and modern technologies that enable the best dental care services for patients. Call us at (801) 572-4261 and schedule an appointment with the dentist to know more about cosmetic treatments and other dental facilities provided at the dental practice.