Tooth Extractions

Getting a tooth extraction isn’t fun, but at times it's necessary to avoid additional health problems. For quick and professional extractions, turn to Cottage Grove Dental Care in Marion, Iowa. Dentists Connie A. Miller, DDS, Matthew Sieverding, DDS, and the rest of the team are here for you when you are in need of tooth extraction. Call the office or request an appointment online today to schedule a consultation.

Why would I need a tooth extraction?

The Cottage Grove Dental Care team may recommend tooth extraction in the following situations:

• Infection risk from a failed root canal
• Infection risk during chemotherapy or an organ transplant
• Risk of infection during an organ transplant or chemotherapy
• Severe gum (periodontal) disease
• No room for third molars (wisdom teeth)
• Crowded or extra teeth

You could need a tooth extraction because it's too chipped or cracked to repair. Decay, trauma, and lifestyle are all factors that can contribute to needing a tooth pulled.

What is the procedure for tooth extraction?

The procedure depends on the type of extraction you’re having. There are two types of tooth extractions:

Simple extraction

Simple extractions are reserved for teeth seen above the gum line. The team will first loosen the tooth with an elevator instrument during this procedure. Next, they use forceps to remove the tooth.

Surgical extraction

A surgical extraction is a bit more complex. The tooth may have been broken off at your gum line, or it hasn’t yet come through the gum's surface, as is typical with wisdom teeth. To perform a surgical extraction, the team will need to make a small cut in your gum to lift the tooth out. 

Sometimes the tooth needs to be cut into smaller pieces or sectioned to be removed. Removing some of the bone around the affected tooth might also be necessary.

You’re given a local anesthetic before a simple and surgical extraction, so you don’t feel any pain. The team may administer a general anesthetic if multiple teeth are extracted simultaneously, which is commonly seen in wisdom teeth extraction. You'll sleep and be pain-free throughout the whole procedure.

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

Depending on how many teeth you have extracted and your specific circumstances, the first stages of the healing process usually occur within one or two weeks: new gum tissue and bone growth in the spaces where your teeth used to be.

You may encounter general aches and pains or difficulty chewing on your way to recovery based on the invasiveness of your dental procedure. Every patient is different, so contact Cottage Grove Dental Care if you experience any pain that feels out of the ordinary.

Discover your options and learn about any necessary post-procedure treatments, such as crowns or dental implants. Call the Cottage Grove Dental Care office to schedule a tooth extraction consultation, or request one online today.