At Design Dental, we are committed to the prevention, preservation, and protection of your natural teeth. We take a complete approach to your dental care. This ensures that we preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible with the right treatment you need.
As an experienced dentist in North Liberty IA, Dr. S. Jeremy Tu offers a full range of general dental services, including tooth extractions. If you have a severely damaged, decayed, or broken tooth, we may recommend a tooth extraction to relieve pain or sensitivity and improve your dental health.
Depending on the complexity of the case, Dr. Tu can perform simple tooth extractions in our North Liberty dentist office. However, for more complex extractions or wisdom teeth removal, we may work with a local oral surgeon to ensure your needs are met.
Do You Need a Tooth Extraction in North Liberty?
Dr. Tu will provide conservative solutions for patients of all ages. Before suggesting a tooth extraction, our team will explore all other possible avenues. In some cases, to avoid extraction, we may recommend a dental crown, root canal therapy, or a dental filling to save a damaged tooth.
One common reason for needing a tooth extraction is severe tooth decay. When a tooth becomes decayed or damaged to the point where it cannot be saved with a filling or crown, extraction may be the only option to prevent further decay from spreading to nearby teeth. Leaving a severely decayed tooth in place can lead to infection, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
Another reason for needing a tooth extraction is overcrowding. Sometimes, the mouth may not have enough space for all teeth to properly align. This can lead to overcrowding, misalignment, and bite issues. In cases where orthodontic treatment is not feasible or successful, tooth extraction may be necessary to create space and improve the alignment of the remaining teeth.
Impacted teeth are another common reason for extraction. An impacted tooth is one that is unable to erupt through the gum properly due to being blocked by other teeth or because of its position in the jaw. This can lead to pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth. We often recommend extraction in cases of impacted wisdom teeth to prevent further complications.
Sometimes, a tooth may need to be extracted due to trauma or injury. We may need to extract the tooth to prevent infection and preserve oral health if a tooth is severely damaged or broken. Additionally, we may need to extract teeth at risk of fracturing due to weakened enamel or other factors to prevent further damage.
Patients undergoing certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or organ transplant, may also need to have teeth extracted as a precautionary measure. These treatments can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infection, making extraction necessary to protect overall health.
What To Expect During a Tooth Extraction
To make your extraction as comfortable as possible, your dentist will numb the area around the tooth. The anesthetic helps patients stay numb during the treatment. If you suffer from dental fear or anxiety, we offer a full range of options in our North Liberty, IA.
The extraction process is quite simple. Dr. Tu can complete it in one visit to his dentist office. For simple tooth extractions, Dr. Tu will gently rock the tooth back and forth to loosen the roots. Once he detaches the tooth, we can carefully remove it from the mouth. To minimize bleeding, we will place gauze over the area.
Following your extraction, we will review your aftercare instructions. It is important to follow them thoroughly to avoid problems.
Dr. Tu may refer patients to a local oral surgeon for wisdom teeth removal or complex extractions. Our goal is to help patients receive the care they need through high-quality dental care.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
It is normal to experience some discomfort, swelling, and bleeding after a tooth extraction. The dentist will typically provide gauze to bite down on to control bleeding. It’s essential to keep changing the gauze every hour until the bleeding stops. It is also crucial to avoid rinsing or spitting forcefully for the first 24 hours after extraction. This can dislodge the blood clot in the socket and delay the healing process.
To reduce swelling and pain, we recommend applying an ice pack to the outside of the cheek for 10 minutes at a time, taking breaks in between. It is also essential to rest and avoid strenuous activities for the first 24 hours after extraction. Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate any discomfort. Follow the dentist’s instructions on dosage and frequency.
Proper oral hygiene is crucial after a tooth extraction to prevent infections and promote healing. For the first 24 hours, avoid brushing or flossing around the extraction site to avoid disturbing the blood clot. After the first 24 hours, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Do this daily to keep the extraction site clean and promote healing.
It is important to eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the side of the extraction site for the first few days after the procedure. Avoid hot or spicy foods that can irritate the extraction site, as well as alcohol and smoking, which can delay healing. It is essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, but avoid using straws, as the sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot.
If the extraction site continues to bleed after 24 hours, or if you experience severe pain, swelling, or fever, it is important to contact your dentist immediately. These could be signs of infection or other complications that we must address promptly. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics or recommend a follow-up visit to assess the healing process.
Replacing an Extracted Tooth
As a full-service dental practice serving patients in North Liberty, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and surrounding areas, we offer a complete range of restorative solutions following a tooth extraction. Depending on the location and number of extracted teeth, we may recommend restoring missing teeth with dental implants, dentures, or a dental bridge.
Our team will explore your budget, cosmetic goals, and overall dental health. This will help us determine the best tooth replacement option for your needs.
To learn more about your options, visit our office. To schedule an appointment, call (319) 284-4361 or request an appointment online.