Tooth Extractions Wauwatosa

Saving Your Smile by Saying Goodbye to One or More Teeth

Most patients never think that a tooth extraction will be in their future. Unfortunately, it can be a reality if certain situations arise. At Elmbrook Family Dental of Wauwatosa, our dentists never want to have to remove a tooth, which is why we’ll try all other restorative solutions first. When these attempts fail, though, the last resort is to say goodbye to one or more teeth so that a smile can be saved. You are welcome to call our office and schedule an appointment with a member of our team to find out if you need a tooth extraction in Wauwatosa.

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Reasons for Tooth Extractions

We may recommend tooth extraction if you suffer from any of the following:

• Partially erupted or impacted wisdom teeth, as these may cause an increased risk of decay, gum disease, and infection as well as cysts or tooth misalignment.
• Severe dental decay that has reached the root of a tooth and has the potential to spread throughout the body.
• Advanced gum disease, as the infection can spread to the bloodstream and negatively affect the heart and other areas of the body.
• Facial trauma that results in a broken tooth that cannot be saved.
• A child’s baby tooth that will not come out on its own, as this can prevent the permanent tooth from erupting.

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What Is the Tooth Extraction Process?

You will receive local anesthesia as well as nitrous oxide, if necessary, to ensure you feel no pain and are comfortable. If a tooth has partially erupted, we will use specialized instruments to gently lift the tooth from its socket and move it back and forth until it detaches from the ligaments. Should a tooth be impacted, we will need to make a surgical incision in the gums to expose the underlying bone. After removing a small portion, we will extract the tooth. Those that are larger or positioned awkwardly may need to be removed in sections.

We’ll then insert gauze and instruct you to bite down to encourage clotting. Once it forms, you’ll need to make sure that you do not cause it to become dislodged, as this can be painful and prolong your recovery.

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Tooth Extraction Aftercare Tips

The first 24 hours after your surgery should include much-needed rest. You’ll want to avoid any strenuous activity for several days and avoid smoking. You can take prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce discomfort.

You’ll want to be sure that you do not sip from a straw or spit when rinsing your mouth. After the first full day, you can resume cleaning your teeth and gums but be careful when nearing the extraction site. Instead of using mouthwash though, make sure to rinse with warm salt water, as it helps reduce the chances of an infection and encourages proper healing.

It’s best if you stick to soft foods in the days after your surgery so that you do not apply additional pressure to the site.