Candidates for tooth extractions include patients with:

• Impacted or infected wisdom teeth
• Severe tooth decay
• Advanced gum disease
• Malpositioned teeth
• Overly crowded teeth
• Abscessed teeth
• Baby teeth preventing growth of permanent teeth
• Fractured teeth

Your doctor will try to save your tooth whenever possible, but sometimes an extraction is necessary to relieve pain and restore oral health.

At Kids & Grownups Dental, we provide both simple and complex tooth extractions to better serve our patients’ needs.

• Simple Extraction: Teeth that extend above the gum line can generally be removed with a simple extraction. Before treatment, your doctor will numb the tooth and surrounding tissue with a local anesthetic. He will then grasp the tooth with an instrument known as an elevator, and carefully rock it back and forth to loosen it. He will then gently lift it from the socket with forceps and place gauze, pressure, and any necessary dissolvable sutures.
• Complex Extraction: For partially and completely impacted teeth, a surgical extraction is generally necessary. During this procedure, the doctor will administer stronger sedation and a local anesthetic to completely numb the area. He will then make a small incision in the top of the gum line above the impacted tooth and remove any soft and hard tissue to easily reach the tooth. Using the same instruments for a simple extraction, your doctor will loosen and lift the tooth from the socket. After the tooth is removed, he will close the incision with dissolvable sutures.

During your consultation, Dr. John Lee or Dr. Joshua Lee will assess the extent of damage to determine the best route of treatment. Our extremely knowledgeable team will design an effective treatment plan and healing regimen to ensure you receive optimal results.

Immediately following your extraction, your doctor will pack the tooth with gauze and have you bite down to help form a blood clot. He will then send you home with special instructions.

• Take antibiotics and painkillers to minimize discomfort and risk of infection
• Apply cold compresses as directed to minimize swelling and bruising
• Rinse your mouth with a prescribed mouthwash or saltwater to keep the area clean
• Change gauze as directed to prevent infection and a dry socket
• Keep head elevated when resting
• Avoid strenuous activity
• Avoid smoking
• Maintain a soft foods diet for the first week
• Avoid using a straw for the first week

Healing generally takes one to two weeks, depending on the type of extraction performed. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions to achieve a smooth recovery and avoid complications. If proper care isn’t followed, you have a higher chance of developing infection, a dry socket, or prolonged bleeding. If this occurs, call our office right away.