At Walter Guillot, DMD, it is always our primary goal to save and protect your natural teeth. However, there are times when extensive damage makes it necessary to extract a tooth in order to maintain optimal dental health.
A tooth extraction is usually performed because a patient has a severely injured or damaged tooth. An extraction may also be necessary when a tooth is growing in a way that it is causing problems for other teeth. We also offer oral sedation to reduce pain and anxiety. In addition to standard extractions, we provide wisdom teeth extractions.
After a tooth extraction, we will have the patient bite down on gauze to form a blood clot. It is very important to avoid disturbing this clot during the healing process. Ice packs can be used after an extraction for comfort.
If a tooth is severely decayed or injured, it might be beyond saving. A tooth might also need to be removed if it is causing problems for other teeth.
If we determine that an extraction is necessary, we will take X-rays to determine the safest method for removal. We will provide any sedation necessary for your comfort.
Most patients experience little-to-no pain during a tooth extraction. We can provide local anesthesia and oral sedation.
The actual extraction often only takes a couple of minutes. It will take 30 to 45 minutes to form a blood clot in the area.
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt. Most people do need to have them removed as there is little room available in the mouth.
Healing begins right away as the blood begins to clot at the extraction site. To fully heal, expect more than a week. Follow your dentist’s advice on caring for the wound. Avoid using straws and eating hard food until the wound is healed.
