Tooth Extractions – Upper Arlington, OH

Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary

We may recommend that you get one or more teeth removed if:

• A tooth has incurred severe damage or decay that cannot be repaired with fillings or a crown.
• We need to make room in the mouth for dentures or orthodontic treatment.
• A tooth is impacted (stuck beneath the gumline).
• Your wisdom teeth are threatening your oral health.
• A child has a primary (baby) tooth that has overstayed its welcome. We may need to remove it to make room for incoming adult teeth.
• We need to remove a tooth to stop an oral infection from spreading and causing further harm.

The Process of Removing a Tooth

Most tooth extractions are pretty straightforward. First, we numb your mouth. We may also administer sedation. Once you are comfortable, we use an instrument called an elevator to lift the tooth out of its socket. Then, we grip it with forceps and rock it back and forth to break the ligaments that are holding it in place. Once the tooth is out, we clean the socket and place gauze to control bleeding.

Before you leave our office, we may talk to you about your tooth replacement options. In most cases, tooth replacement is necessary in order to prevent future oral health complications.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

Here are some tips to promote a smooth recovery after your tooth extraction procedure:

• Keep your fingers and tongue away from the extraction site.
• Take all medications as prescribed by our team.
• Do not smoke.
• Do not drink through a straw.
• Keep your head propped up on pillows when you are sleeping.
• Avoid hard and crunchy foods. Instead, eat a soft diet.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Regularly rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
• Use a cold compress to minimize swelling and ease discomfort.
• Attend all follow-up appointments as recommended by our team.
• Pursue tooth replacement as soon as your circumstances allow.