Teeth Extractions

Why would I need an extraction?

Permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime, but for many reasons, this doesn't always happen. For example, you might need to have a tooth extracted because it's too cracked or chipped to repair. Decay, trauma, and lifestyle can all contribute to needing teeth pulled.

Extractions may be necessary for other reasons, including:

• Risk of infection from an unsuccessful root canal
• Risk of infection during chemotherapy or an organ transplant
• Advanced gum (periodontal) disease
• Extra or crowded teeth
• No room for wisdom teeth (third molars)

Dr. Creese is also available for emergency extractions in the event of an urgent situation, such as a sports injury or accident.

What should I expect from an extraction procedure?

There are two types of extraction procedures: a simple extraction and surgical extraction. A simple extraction is a minimally invasive extraction performed on a tooth that is visible in your mouth. In a simple extraction, the tooth is loosened with a small tool called an elevator, then taken out with dental forceps.

A surgical extraction can be more invasive. The tooth may not have come through the surface of your gums, as is common with wisdom teeth, or it may have broken off at your gum line.

You'll receive a local anesthetic before a surgical extraction so you will not feel any pain. If you’re having several teeth extracted at once, as is typical with wisdom teeth extraction, your dentist may give you a general anesthetic. You'll sleep and be pain-free throughout the whole procedure.

The hallmark of tooth extractions of all kinds at the office of Richard D. Creese, DDS — including simple extractions and wisdom tooth removal — is that procedures are affordable and done on site. The staff generally doesn’t refer you out.

What is a wisdom tooth extraction like?

During wisdom teeth removals, Dr. Creese makes a small incision into the gum to access and remove the impacted teeth. Sometimes the tooth needs to be sectioned, or cut into smaller pieces, to be removed. It may also be necessary to remove some of the bone around the affected tooth.

Since you’re under anesthesia, you don’t feel much of anything during the procedure. After removing your wisdom teeth, Dr. Creese cleans the treatment area of any debris from the tooth or bone. Then he stitches the incision back up and places gauze over the site to stop bleeding.

Your recovery may last a few days or a week and includes a steady regimen of pain medication and soft foods that are easy on your sensitive teeth.

How soon can I expect to heal from a tooth extraction?

Based on how many teeth you had taken out and your individual condition, the first stages of the healing process usually occur within one or two weeks. You'll experience new gum tissue and bone growth where your teeth used to be. You may encounter difficulty chewing or general aches and pains on your way to recovery, depending on the scope of your dental operation.

Every patient is different, so we recommend you contact Richard D. Creese, DDS, and book a consultation to find out about your options plus any necessary post-procedure treatments such as crowns or dental implants.

Contact Richard D. Creese, DDS, by phone or make an appointment online using the booking tool.