Extractions

 

At Ramsey Family Dentistry, we understand that you want to do all you can to keep your teeth. Because removing a natural part of your body is a serious decision and often a last resort, we will work hard to save your natural teeth. However, a tooth may require extraction in some circumstances including the following:

  • Severe and irreparable tooth decay has occurred.
  • Gum disease has ravaged the tissue around the tooth.
  • The tooth is impacted in a tricky position.
  • The tooth is in the way of a required dental procedure (such as orthodontic treatment).
  • The tooth is infected beyond treatment.
  • The tooth has broken as a result of injury.

Dr. Kevin Ramsey performs two types of extractions – simple and surgical.

Simple Extractions

Simple extractions are performed on teeth that are visible above the gum line. Dr. Ramsey will first administer a local anesthetic. Before beginning the procedure, Dr. Ramsey will check to make sure that you are comfortable and can’t feel a thing. Then he will use an instrument called an elevator to lift the tooth. Dr. Ramsey will gently rock the tooth back and forth until it becomes detached from the periodontal ligament. He will then apply steady pressure with forceps until the tooth is pulled free.

Surgical Extractions

Your tooth may need to be surgically extracted if it has broken underneath the gum line or if it has not fully erupted through the gums. Before proceeding, Dr. Ramsey will make sure that you are comfortable using a variety of sedation techniques. These will be discussed with you ahead of time. Depending on the situation, Dr. Ramsey will usually make an incision and then elevate the tissues surrounding the tooth and bone. In many cases the tooth will then be removed in sections. Dr. Ramsey will then carefully close the incision. Usually, the empty socket will be packed with gauze.

After having a tooth extracted, it is important that you closely follow the care instructions provided by Dr. Ramsey so that the socket will heal easily and without potential complications like dry socket. Following your extraction, avoid activities like drinking through a straw, smoking, and spitting. To decrease the chance of infection, you should not to touch the socket with your fingers. If you follow all at-home care instructions, bleeding should stop within about 24 hours and the wound in the dental socket should heal after about one week.

Whether you have a tooth that is badly decayed or you are starting to feel those pesky wisdom teeth painfully pushing toward the surface of your gums, there’s no need to live with the discomfort. Call us today at (480) 207-6001 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ramsey.