Extractions

Tooth Extractions

Teeth Extractions — Little Girl Holds Up Her Lost Tooth in Bangor, ME
In most cases, it is preferable that a patient’s tooth be preserved rather than removed. This is due to some of the oral health problems that can develop if a tooth is removed, such as shifting of other teeth, altered bite, chewing problems, and TMJ issues, to name a few. However, there are times when a tooth may need to be removed, such as when a tooth is severely cracked or broken beyond repair, or a patient has significant bone loss due to periodontal disease & the tooth is unstable, or if teeth need to be removed for orthodontic or patient health reasons, such as removal of wisdom teeth, or impacted teeth. If there is infection present, you may be prescribed medication to treat the infection before proceeding with the extraction.

Expectations After Tooth Removal

If a tooth extraction is necessary, your team of dental professionals will answer all questions before proceeding. The tooth and surrounding tissue will then be numbed using local anesthesia, with nitrous oxide also available if needed. You may feel some pressure as the tooth is rocked to loosen it prior to removal, and once it’s removed, you will be given something soft to bite down on to assist in the clotting process. You will also be given instructions on post-extraction care to manage discomfort and to prevent the loss of the clotting that is a necessary part of the healing process. 

Lack of or loss of clotting in the extraction site creates what is often called “a dry socket”, which can cause throbbing in that area. Treatment of post-extraction discomfort is usually limited to application of cold packs to the jaw area and/or use of over-the-counter pain medications. And of course, if you have any questions or concerns after any dental procedure, you are welcome to call our office. We have an answering service available after hours for your convenience and emergency dental needs are always forwarded directly to your dentist.

Tooth Replacement Options

Once your extraction site has healed, you can discuss with your dentist what options are best suited for tooth replacement. At Stillwater Dental Associates, we offer several options, including:
  • a dental bridge
  • a crown over implant
  • partial dentures
  • full denture  
Speak to our dental professionals to find out more about extractions or what tooth replacement options may be best for you. To help with tooth extraction or replacement costs, we can also assist you with insurance questions or help you apply for CareCredit, which offers some no-interest options. For more information, call us at (207) 947-0717.
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