A tooth extraction is a dental procedure where our dentists at Mattson Hellickson Dental carefully remove a tooth from its socket in your jawbone. While our team always tries to save your natural teeth whenever possible, sometimes removing a tooth is the best option for your overall dental health.
Our gentle approach ensures that you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. At our Beaverton office, we use modern techniques and technology to make tooth extractions as quick and painless as possible.
Reasons You Might Need a Tooth Extraction
Removing a tooth becomes necessary in several situations to keep your dental health in good shape:
- Severe Tooth Decay: When a cavity has damaged too much of your tooth structure, and fillings, crowns, or other treatments can’t save it.
- Advanced Gum Disease: If periodontal disease has caused your teeth to become loose and painful, extraction might be needed to prevent further issues.
- Broken or Damaged Teeth: Teeth that are severely cracked, broken, or damaged beyond repair from trauma or accidents.
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth: When your wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to emerge properly or grow at awkward angles, causing pain and potential damage to nearby teeth.
- Overcrowding: Sometimes teeth need to be removed to make room for others, especially before orthodontic treatment to align your teeth properly.
- Infection Risk: If you have a weakened immune system, even the risk of infection in a damaged tooth might make extraction the safest choice.
What to Expect During Your Tooth Extraction
At Mattson Hellickson Dental, we understand that tooth extractions can make patients nervous.
Before an extraction, our team will take detailed X-rays of your mouth to plan the extraction. We’ll review your medical history and discuss any medications you’re taking. This helps us provide the safest care possible.
During Your Appointment
For a simple extraction of a visible tooth:
- We’ll numb the area around your tooth with local anesthesia so you won’t feel pain.
- Using special dental tools, our dentist will gently loosen your tooth and carefully remove it.
- Most simple extractions take just a few minutes once you’re numb.
For surgical extractions (like impacted wisdom teeth):
- You’ll get appropriate anesthesia to keep you comfortable.
- Our dentist will make a small cut in your gum to access the tooth.
- Sometimes the tooth is removed in pieces to minimize the impact on surrounding tissue.
- The procedure typically takes longer than simple extractions.
After Your Extraction
After removing your tooth, we’ll place gauze over the socket to help a blood clot form. This is an important part of the healing process.
Before you leave, we’ll give you detailed instructions on how to care for the extraction site at home.
Proper aftercare helps ensure quick healing and prevents complications:
- Rest for the remainder of the day after your extraction.
- Apply ice packs to your face to reduce swelling.
- Take pain medications as prescribed or recommended.
- Eat soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, and soup for the first few days.
- Avoid using straws, spitting forcefully, or smoking, as these can dislodge the blood clot.
- After 24 hours, gently rinse with warm salt water to keep the area clean.
- Continue brushing and flossing your teeth, but avoid the extraction site.
Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last teeth to develop. Many people don’t have enough room in their mouths for these teeth, which can lead to problems. Removing problematic wisdom teeth offers several benefits for long-term oral health and wellness, including:
- Pain Relief: Impacted wisdom teeth often cause persistent pain and discomfort. Removing them eliminates this source of pain and prevents future episodes.
- Preventing Damage to Other Teeth: When wisdom teeth don’t have enough space, they can push against your other teeth, causing alignment issues and damage to healthy teeth.
- Reducing Infection Risk: Partially erupted wisdom teeth create spaces where food gets trapped, leading to bacterial growth and infections. Removing these teeth eliminates these hard-to-clean spaces.
- Avoiding Cysts and Tumors: Impacted wisdom teeth can sometimes develop cysts or tumors around them, which can damage your jawbone and nearby teeth if left untreated.
- Simplifying Oral Hygiene: It’s difficult to clean around poorly positioned wisdom teeth. Removing them makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent decay and gum disease.
Trust Your Smile to Mattson Hellickson Dental
We combine gentle care with advanced techniques to make tooth extractions as comfortable as possible. Our experienced team will guide you through every step of the process, from consultation to aftercare.
We understand that the thought of having a tooth removed can be concerning. That’s why we take the time to answer all your questions and ensure you feel confident about your treatment plan.
If you are experiencing tooth pain or have been told you might need an extraction, call us at 503-308-7664. We’re here to help restore your oral health and keep your smile looking its best. You can also schedule an appointment online.
