A tooth extraction is a general dentistry treatment that we offer. It is something that dentists try to only use when absolutely use when necessary. Patients may need a tooth pulled if it damaged beyond repair. This can be from severe tooth decay or trauma to the tooth. Extractions are also necessary to remove wisdom teeth. Dr. Amy Marckese At DentalSpa offers tooth extractions in Indianapolis, IN for patients who require one.
About Tooth Extractions in Indianapolis, IN
There are times when a tooth extraction is the best option for the overall health and function of the smile. Your dentist in Indianapolis, IN, performs most tooth extractions in the convenience of her dental office. However, sometimes it may be necessary to refer patients to an oral surgeon or periodontist for the procedure.
Tooth Extraction: What to Expect
A tooth extraction is a fairly simple procedure. Dr. Marckese will numb the area to minimize discomfort and extract the tooth. After the tooth is extracted, it is important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. The socket will be packed with gauze; in most cases a small amount of bleeding is normal.
We ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes after the appointment. You may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
One of the most common tooth extractions we perform is wisdom teeth removal. It is a common procedure for young adults in their late teens to early 20’s as this is when the wisdom teeth typically begin to emerge. Wisdom tooth extraction is usually recommended to alleviate pain and to maintain the proper position of the other teeth.
Wisdom teeth can cause damage to neighboring teeth as they emerge and, in some cases, become impacted. Our family dentist office provides complete wisdom tooth removal services for patients of all ages. Commonly, wisdom teeth are removed because they are impacted in the bone or present a potential overcrowding problem that will detrimentally affect the bite.
Reasons You May Need A Tooth Extraction
Your dentist may suggest a tooth extraction for several reasons. It is a common procedure that we can perform in a single visit using local anesthetic. In most cases, it is relatively painless. We also offer sedation dentistry for those who experiences anxiety or fear of the dentist. Here are some reason why we would recommend a tooth extraction:
Severe Tooth Decay
A tooth that has begun to decay needs treatment in order for the decay to stop. Without treatment, the tooth will suffer from severe decay. When a tooth reaches an advanced stage of decay and a tooth filling, dental crown, inlay, onlay, or root canal cannot fix it then the tooth must be extracted. At that point, there is so much damage to the tooth that no treatment can restore it.
Gum Disease
If you suffer from the advanced stages of gum disease, there is a good chance the tissues supporting your teeth are now loose and weak. In these cases, teeth extractions are inevitable.
Dental Trauma
Hard blows to the mouth or jaw can result in severe damage to a tooth or the supporting teeth structures. After your dentist examines your teeth and takes X-rays, they may determine that the damage cannot be effectively repaired and your teeth will need to be extracted.
Infection or Abscess
A tooth infection, often called an abscess, is an emergency situation. This type of infection can easily spread throughout your body and cause you to become very ill. A common treatment is a root canal or to extract the tooth.
Crowding
Dental crowing is a common reason why some people have their teeth extracted. It is often performed in preparation for orthodontic treatment to make sure there is enough room for the teeth to properly align.
Extra Teeth
Sometimes patients present with extra teeth that can lead to dental issues. They can cause crowding or prevent the adult teeth from erupting. These extra teeth will need to be extracted to facilitate normal dental development.
Fractured Teeth
Fractured teeth, malformed teeth, and teeth with a fractured root typically cannot be restored with conventional means. Extraction and replacement is usually the best treatment.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, often do not have enough space to fully erupt and can become impacted (trapped beneath the gum or jawbone). Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and other oral health issues, making extraction necessary.
We Recommend Dental Implants as The Best Way to Replace Extracted Teeth
Dr. Marckese will recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth or teeth that need to be removed. Dental implants are the best long term, natural looking solution for missing teeth.
In most cases, the tooth can be extracted and the dental implant placed on the same day. Dr. Marckese is able to perform a majority of the procedures for dental implant in Indianapolis, IN at her dentist office.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
To learn more about tooth extractions, read through our frequently asked questions. Here we review answers to common questions we get about this common general dentistry treatment.
Is it better to get a damaged tooth removed or repaired?
Your dentist will always try to save as much of your natural tooth as possible before removing it. There is no equal replacement for a tooth’s natural structure. Although we do understand that sometimes this is not possible, mostly in situations of severe damage.
Will a tooth extraction relieve my tooth pain?
Yes, most tooth extractions are done to alleviate tooth pain from a damaged and infected tooth. Tooth extractions can target pain from overcrowding, impacted teeth, and severe gum disease.
How long does it take to remove a tooth?
Tooth extractions only take one visit to the dentist. It is a quick procedure that will alleviate any pain you have almost immediately. Depending on the treatment area, you can expect to be able to chew and eat regularly in a day or two.
Do’s and don’ts after a tooth extraction?
After a tooth extraction, patients should be careful to avoid smoking or sucking motions of any kind, including drinking from a straw. This motion can cause your clot to dislodge and create dry socket.
Patients are also instructed to avoid eating hard or chewy foods, and should stick to a soft diet for a few days following the procedure. A soft diet includes foods like yogurt, smoothies, milkshakes, mashed potatoes, and soup.
How many teeth can be extracted at the same time?
This varies per dentist and patient. For example, if a patient needs an entire row of teeth removed, then it is possible with extensive oral surgery. There may be more discomfort and a longer recovery time after the procedure than usual, but it is entirely safe.
How long after a tooth extraction can I get a dental implant?
In most cases, patients are told to wait for their gums and affected area to heal after having an extraction. It takes between 3-6 months for patients to fully recover, so patients should wait at least this long before having a dental implant surgically placed.
Schedule an Appointment if You Think You Need a Tooth Extraction in Indianapolis, IN
If you suspect you need a tooth extraction or need to have wisdom teeth removed, contact our Indianapolis dental office today. You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Amy Marckese by filling out the provided online form.