A tooth extraction involves completely pulling a severely damaged or decayed tooth from its socket. Your dentist may recommend this procedure to avoid damaging neighboring teeth when dental decay can’t be solved with fillings or crowns. Usually, tooth extraction is performed under local anesthesia to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. Sedation options can also be discussed to improve comfort during the procedure.
The Pine Desert Dental team in Sisters, Oregon, has an experienced staff that encourages restorative treatments to save your natural teeth before considering tooth extraction. If the decay is too extensive, Dr. Sunitsch will discuss with you the options for replacing missing teeth once the extraction is done.
Dr. Sunitsch always prioritizes saving natural teeth from dental decay using restorative methods like fillings, root canals, and crowns. However, when these treatments aren’t enough, tooth extraction may be the last resource.
This procedure can be performed to treat multiple dental conditions, including:
During your consultation, Dr. Sunitsch will discuss the restorative methods available before deciding on tooth extraction. Once your medical history and condition are reviewed, he will check the state of your gums and teeth, focusing on the tooth that will be extracted.
During your tooth extraction appointment, Dr. Sunitsch will apply a local anesthetic to your teeth and surrounding gums. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, he will apply pressure to the tooth, thus loosening up the tooth and its attachment to your jaw.
Most patients only feel pressure when getting a tooth pulled out. Depending on the tooth removed, your dentist may use stitches to close the empty socket.
Once the tooth has been extracted, the doctor will apply a small gauze to help slow and stop the bleeding in the area. Patients can return home once the bleeding has stopped.
Dr. Sunitsch will provide you with post-treatment guidelines to help you avoid complications.
Teeth extractions are usually not painful. Most patients only report feeling pressure during the procedure since anesthesia is used before the extraction.
In some cases, full sedation may be needed. Ask Dr. Sunitsch about our sedation dentistry options.
Once the anesthesia effects wear off, you may feel some pain. Dr. Sunitsch can prescribe pain medication to help ease any discomfort.
Patients can go home once any post-procedure bleeding stops. In most cases, bleeding stops in a few minutes. Dr. Sunitsch recommends not drinking hot or cold beverages and resting until the anesthesia wears off.
Soreness may be felt once the sedation effects fade. Swelling and discomfort are normal and will reduce within a couple of days. Depending on your case, Dr. Sunitsch may prescribe painkillers. To reduce the discomfort after your procedure, we recommend doing the following:
Bleeding, swelling, and bruising are expected post-procedure symptoms. These should start to fade after the first two days. If your discomfort increases abnormally or you notice signs of infection, contact your dentist right away.
Patients who undergo tooth extractions are usually recommended restorative dentistry options to fill the gaps. Restorative dentistry aims to return functionality to damaged teeth while also focusing on aesthetics. Some treatment options available include:
Pine Desert Dental offers tooth extraction procedures to help patients whose dental decay issues can’t be solved with fillings or crown attachments.
Dr. Zach Sunitsch and the Pine Desert Dental team can handle all your dental needs. He is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Oregon Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry.
We offer comprehensive dental services, including oral surgery treatment. If you’d like more information, call us at (541) 549-01-09 or request an appointment online. You can also visit us at our clinic in Sisters, Oregon.
