At Midtown Dental, our primary goal is to provide outstanding dental care to keep your teeth healthy, functional, and pain-free. We opt for the least invasive dental treatments first, but in some cases, tooth extractions are the best option for your oral health.
You can schedule a dental exam with one of our skilled dentists to determine whether a tooth extraction is necessary for you. We will discuss all of your treatment options and possible tooth replacements to restore the structure and looks of your teeth so you can comfortably eat, talk, and smile again.
When Are Tooth Extractions Necessary?
Our dentists exhaust all conservative treatment options before turning to tooth extractions, which is typically the healthiest solution for teeth that have too much damage for a filling or crown. However, tooth extractions can also be the most suitable choice for other reasons.
The following are potential reasons why your teeth might require extraction:
- Infection
- Overcrowded teeth
- Problematic wisdom teeth
- Impacted teeth (teeth stuck in gum tissue)
- Trauma
- Periodontal disease
- Baby teeth that haven’t come out
- Failed root canal
To determine whether you need a tooth extraction, you need an evaluation from one of our experienced dentists at Midtown Dental. We can discuss your options, including whether you want to opt for tooth replacements after the extraction.
Are Tooth Extractions Painful?
If you’re anxious about the pain of tooth extractions, you should know that our experienced team of dental professionals do everything possible to keep you comfortable during the procedure. We use general anesthesia to ensure you don’t feel pain during the extraction, and we provide after-surgery care instructions.
To control the bleeding from your tooth socket after the extraction, we will have you bite firmly on a gauze pad for 30 to 40 minutes to allow your blood to clot. You should avoid activity that could dislodge the blood clot before your mouth begins to heal over the next 24 hours.
At home, you can use the following self-care tactics to help your recovery:
- Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling
- With the swelling gone, apply a heat compress to relieve pain
- Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep it clean
How To Avoid Dry Socket After an Extraction
If the blood clot formed after your surgery becomes dislodged before your mouth begins to heal, it can cause a condition known as dry socket, which can be painful. If you want to avoid this issue, you can follow these tips:
- Avoid smoking or using straws, anything involving suction or quick inhalation
- Eat soft foods for the first one or two days
- Check whether your current medications could interfere with healing
- Keep your mouth clean with proper oral hygiene
- Follow the instructions from your dentist for recovery
Schedule an Appointment With the Top Dental Office in Denver, CO
Tooth extractions can be intimidating, but you should never ignore tooth pain. If you’re experiencing symptoms like tooth pain or sensitivity, our highly qualified general dentists at Midtown Dental provide effective and compassionate dental services to treat the source of your issue and relieve your pain.
Call 303-377-2345 to schedule your appointment now.
