Tooth Extractions – Louisville, KY
Gently Removing Damaged or Infected Teeth
If your dentist recently recommended a tooth extraction in Louisville, there is a good chance you’re probably not too happy or excited about it. Although commonly performed in dental offices throughout the country, this last attempt to save your smile is often necessary for the future of your oral health. At Remmers Dental, our team is here to provide the safety and comfort you need when undergoing tooth removal. No matter the reason for your extraction, you can trust that we will be by your side every step of the way, ensuring you have the information you need to feel confident about your procedure, enjoy a successful recovery, and take the next steps to restore your smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Why Choose Remmers Dental for Tooth Extractions?
- Multiple Forms of Tooth Replacement
- Sedation Available for Nervous Patients
- Advanced Dental Technology
Reasons for a Tooth Extraction
The most common reasons your dentist will recommend a tooth extraction include:
- Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed – Between the ages of 17 and 25, most teenagers and young adults need to have their wisdom teeth taken out. Also known as the third molars, these were once vital to humans (early civilizations); however, as diets changed and jaws narrowed, the wisdom teeth became less important, resulting in problems developing because of a lack of space within the mouth. Whether partially or fully erupted or impacted, most dentists will want to remove these teeth before they become a serious problem.
- Serious Tooth Decay/Damage: Should you have a tooth that is severely decayed or damaged because of facial trauma, a tooth extraction may be necessary to ensure the health of your smile. While root canal therapy or an alternative restorative treatment will be considered, if the damage or decay is too advanced, the removal of the tooth will allow for proper healing and the ability to replace it in a timely manner.
- Orthodontics: When recommended for orthodontic treatment, a professional may suggest tooth extraction if there does not appear to be enough room for adequate movement and successful results.
How a Tooth Extraction Works
There are two types of extraction procedures. Depending on the status of your current tooth, we will determine which method will be best to remove the tooth safely and as easily as possible. The first method is known as a simple extraction. If the tooth is fully or partially erupted, specialized dental instruments will be used to gently rock the tooth back and forth until it detaches from the socket.
The other method is known as a surgical extraction. Considered more invasive than a simple extraction, this procedure is performed when a tooth is impacted, meaning it has not erupted. Your dentist will make a small incision in the gums to expose the tooth and bone. Carefully, we will remove the tooth in sections to ensure a smoother process.
No matter how we choose to remove your tooth, we will always administer local anesthesia to numb the tooth and the area surrounding it. We can also provide sedation to help make you more comfortable throughout the procedure.
Aftercare Tips
Once your tooth extraction is complete, there are detailed instructions we will provide that will ensure you have a successful recovery. These include:
- Getting plenty of rest in the days following your procedure
- Not spitting, sucking through a straw, or rinsing within the first 1-2 days, as this could dislodge the blood clot and cause a dry socket
- Using cold compresses and over-the-counter medication to alleviate pain and reduce swelling
- Eating soft foods
- Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing
- Performing a saline rinse within 3-10 days after your procedure to encourage healing and kill bacteria
After you are fully healed, it will be necessary to discuss tooth replacement options. Unless you have your wisdom teeth removed, a dental bridge, dental implants, or alternative prosthetic will be necessary to replace your missing tooth and restore your smile. Our team will be happy to go over your available options and help you decide which one is right for you.
