Tooth Extractions and Oral Surgery
IN CENTURIA, WI
Gentle Tooth Removal from Caring Centuria Dentists
At River Birch Dental, we do everything we can to save your tooth before deciding to remove it. After all, you only get one set of natural adult teeth, so your smile is truly one-of-a-kind. Dr. Georgie Vargas, our affordable dentist in Centuria, WI, provides gentle tooth extractions to patients in Balsam Lake, Amery, and Frederic.
We know tooth extractions can be intimidating, but River Birch Dental is here to reassure you that we’ll get the job done without any pain or worry.
What is a Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction is a dental procedure in which a tooth is removed from its socket due to a variety of reasons including injury and severe decay. This procedure is typically performed by an experienced dentist or an oral surgeon. Dr. Vargas will evaluate your teeth and gums to determine the best course of action for your oral health. You won’t have to worry about any gaps afterward. Your dentist will complete your smile again with a beautiful dental implant.
When is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?
Tooth extraction is sometimes necessary for preserving your oral health in instances of:
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Overcrowded teeth
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Dental infections
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Severely decayed teeth
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Irreparably decayed teeth
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Impacted teeth
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Teeth that are in the way of other dental procedures
If you suspect a tooth is causing enough pain or disruptions in your day to warrant an extraction, call our caring Centuria dentist to schedule an appointment at (715) 646-2161.
What to Expect Before Your Oral Surgery
Taking care of your oral health shouldn’t be a stressful experience. Our dentists in Centuria, WI, understand life happens. That’s why we want your visit to us, for whatever reason, to be as comfortable as possible. We’ll always make sure you’re dental experience is stress-free, which is why we provide nitrous oxide sedation before oral surgery or extractions. Dr. Georgie Vargas will sit with you and answer all of your questions and concerns as well as give advice.
Types of Tooth Extractions
Simple Extraction
Surgical Extraction
A surgical extraction is a complex dental procedure in which Dr. Vargas removes a tooth that is not fully visible above the gum line, or impacted. The procedure may require cutting the gum tissue and removing bone to access the tooth. Surgical extractions are performed by an oral surgeon and may require local or general anesthesia, as well as a longer recovery time.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom tooth extraction is the removal of the third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, which typically emerge in the late teens or early twenties. Wisdom teeth can cause various problems, including infection, due to there being no room for them to properly erupt. If wisdom teeth aren’t causing problems, they may not need to be removed. If you’re feeling persistent pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth, visit Dr. Vargas to learn if your wisdom teeth need to be extracted.
Emergency Extraction
Emergency extractions are performed in response to a sudden tooth injury. The goal of an emergency extraction is to relieve pain and prevent further damage to the mouth and surrounding teeth. After the procedure, Dr. Vargas will provide instructions for proper aftercare to promote healing and reduce the risk of further complications.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Caring for your smile after a tooth extraction is crucial to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.
Some general tips for tooth extraction aftercare include:
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Bite down gently on the gauze pad to control bleeding
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Avoid smoking and using straws for at least 24 hours after the extraction
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Take pain medications as prescribed
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Avoid solid foods and opt for soft foods for the first few days
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Rinse your mouth gently with salt water several times a day to reduce swelling
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Avoid brushing your teeth near the extraction site for the first 24 hours, then brush gently around the area
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Avoid strenuous physical activity for the first few days
Contact our office at (715) 646-2161 immediately if you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever, or any other concerning symptoms,
Frequently Asked Questions
The length of time it takes to perform a tooth extraction will vary based on the type of extraction. Simple extractions usually take between 15 and 30 minutes, while surgical extractions can take anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour. Your dentist will provide a more accurate estimate of the time required for your specific procedure.
The length of time required to recover from a tooth extraction will depend on several factors, like the type of extraction, the complexity of the case, and the individual patient’s health. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days to a week following a simple extraction. Recovery from a surgical extraction may take several days to several weeks. Your dentist will provide specific instructions for your recovery.
After tooth extraction, it is recommended to avoid solid foods for the first few hours and stick to a soft diet for the first few days. You may be able to return to a regular diet within a week, but this will depend on the individual case and the speed of your recovery. Your dentist will provide specific instructions on when you can resume eating solid foods.
If the site of your tooth extraction becomes infected, it’s crucial to contact your dentist immediately. Infections can cause pain and swelling and may delay healing. Your dentist will prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection and may need to drain the abscess. It’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions carefully and take all medications as prescribed to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of further complications.
Save Your Smile with Painless Tooth Extraction
Don’t let fear or uncertainty keep you from getting the dental care you need. At River Birch Dental, Dr. Vargas and our caring team will ensure your tooth removal procedure is as painless as possible. Call our Centuria, WI, dental office at (715) 646-2161 to schedule an appointment, or fill out our convenient online contact form.