Extractions

A tooth that suffers significant decay or damage might require extraction. Our dentist, Lohring Miller DMD, will minimize the potential discomfort of your tooth extraction, ultimately setting the stage for continued oral health in the years ahead. Aside from damage, additional reasons for tooth extraction include teeth that shift, joint issues within the jaw, impacted wisdom teeth and removal to accommodate other teeth.

The extraction process starts with the dentist taking your dental and medical history. Tell the dentist about the medications you take and list your allergies. An x-ray is then taken to determine how to best extract the compromised tooth. The dentist numbs the area around the damaged or otherwise faulty tooth, using a local anesthetic. You will feel some pressure in the area where the extraction occurs yet you will not feel considerable pain. The dentist will rock the tooth back and forth to loosen it prior to extraction. The small incision made in the gum facilitates this process.

Once the tooth is removed, you will have to bite on gauze for about 25 minutes. This biting pressure facilitates the formation of a blood clot where the tooth was extracted, setting the stage for the site to heal. Though there might be minor bleeding in the day that follows surgery, it is perfectly normal. Follow our dentist’s directions for care after the extraction and it won’t take long for any potential minor discomfort to dissipate and ultimately return your mouth to normal.