Most of the time, we want to do our best to keep our teeth right where they are. However, it is far from uncommon for a situation to arise where taking a tooth out is the best option. Our tooth extraction/removal in Cedar Falls focuses on providing a safe procedure when a tooth simply needs to go. From removing damaged teeth to wisdom teeth extraction, West First Dental has you covered.
At West First Dental in Cedar Falls, we focus on providing our patients with key dental procedures when they need them most. From start to finish, we work with you to ensure any treatment youreceive is exactly what you need to stay healthy. Contact us today to schedule your appointment for tooth extraction or removal in Cedar Falls.
How Does Tooth Extraction Work?
While tooth extraction can sound intimidating, the process is generally both comfortable and fast. While local anesthesia can sometimes be enough, we often use complete sedation to keep patients fully comfortable as we remove a tooth. Only once you are fully comfortable will our dental surgeon quickly remove the affected tooth or teeth. A typical surgery is actually quite quick, with some removals barely lasting a few minutes. Once the tooth is out, we sew up the treatment area to allow for safe and quick healing.
After your surgery, someone will need you to drive home, and your diet will have some restrictions for during the initial recovery period. Pain and swelling are normal along with minor bleeding, so not to worry. You can also easily manage these all with the proper prescribed medication. Following your post-procedure instructions will be vital to encourage healing and prevent the area from getting infected. If you have any questions after your tooth removal in Cedar Falls, give our office a call. We will gladly provide any additional support or information you might need.
Reasons for Tooth Extraction/Removal
In general, tooth extraction will always be our last resort. If there is some way to save your tooth without removing it, we will always take that avenue instead. However, in many situations, tooth decay or damage is too severe to warrant keeping the tooth. Likewise, keeping wisdom teeth can also lead to a range of symptoms and problems for your overall oral health. Below are some of the common reasons that you might need a tooth removed by a professional. After a thorough exam, we can find the right solution for you. In many cases, you likely won’t actually need to take a tooth out. Modern dental techniques have more restorative power now than ever before.
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Impacted Teeth
Impaction tends to be the top reason for removing wisdom teeth. In short, an impacted tooth pushes against another tooth instead of growing upward. If impaction continues, it puts patients at risk for infection or permanent damage to their teeth.
Significant Tooth Decay
Sometimes a tooth is simply beyond the point of saving. By removing a decayed tooth, you can get a fresh start on your dental health.
Severe Gum Disease
Similar to tooth decay, gum disease can progress to a point where it is safe to remove a tooth than to keep it around. With the affected tooth gone, your gums can recover and begin to heal.
Injury
Most chips or cracks can be treated with dental bonding or other treatments. However, more intense dental injuries can occur due to events such as car accidents, sport injuries, and more. In these situations, removing the damaged tooth may be the best option.
Overcrowding
Overcrowding occurs where there is not enough real estate along your jaw to keep all your teeth in place. Overcrowded teeth become more vulnerable to infection, damage, and overall decay.
Tooth Replacement Options
Now that your tooth is out, it will be important to replace it with a prosthetic. However, wisdom teeth do not need replacing. For the rest of your teeth, having a removed tooth replaced is actually key to maintaining your oral health. The longer you go with a missing tooth, the more you put yourself at risk for developing additional concerns. For example, a missing tooth can lead to changes in jaw structure or difficulty in chewing or speaking.
The ideal way to replace a tooth is through dental implants or dental bridges. Our specialist can advise you on which of these replacement options might be best for you. Each one comes with its advantages and disadvantages.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Taking charge of your dental health is key to keeping your body healthy overall. While a tooth extraction is a last resort, it can often be crucial to saving other teeth and keeping you healthy overall. Contact Cedar Falls dentist to set up an appointment for a tooth extraction in Cedar Falls today. Our team looks forward to doing their part in protecting your teeth and smile.