While most people expect permanent teeth to withstand the test of time, sometimes an extraction is the only way to preserve your oral health and function. The skilled Rainier Dental team in Bonney Lake, Sumner, Puyallup, and Tacoma, Washington, performs extractions when necessary to ensure your oral well-being and comfort. Call today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.
Extractions are dental procedures that remove teeth from their sockets. During an extraction, your dentist removes the entire tooth, including the crown (visible portion) and root (beneath the gum line).
Rainier Dental performs two types of extractions:
A simple extraction means your entire tooth is visible above the gum line. Your dentist uses a dental elevator to gently loosen and extract the tooth. This procedure is quick and requires little to no downtime.
If your tooth is partially or fully trapped beneath the gum line, your dentist must perform a surgical extraction. This procedure involves making small incisions in your gums to reach and extract the tooth.
This process takes longer than a simple extraction. Your tooth may be broken or impacted. Your dentist must also suture the incisions. Surgical extractions typically take longer to heal than simple procedures.
Extractions may be necessary for various dental and oral health reasons, including:
Teeth that pose a risk of infection in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplants, may also benefit from extractions to prevent complications.
The first step in performing an extraction is determining the type you need. Your dentist performs a comprehensive dental evaluation and takes digital X-rays before recommending a simple or surgical extraction. Most extractions take about 30-60 minutes. However, surgical extractions can take longer, particularly if you have impacted wisdom teeth.
Protecting your gums is essential after an extraction. Failing to care for the extraction site can lead to complications such as infection or a painful condition known as dry socket. To care for the extraction site, your dentist may recommend the following:
Pay special attention to any pain, discomfort, or sudden swelling, and follow your dentist's personalized aftercare instructions.
Call Rainier Dental today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about extractions.