Joseph Van Mieghem DDS
Family Dentist located in Lynnwood, WA
A decayed or diseased tooth sometimes requires an extraction ― the tooth is removed to prevent further complications. At Joseph Van Mieghem DDS in Lynnwood, Washington, the tooth extraction procedure is safe, painless, and quick. Under the expert care of Dr. Joseph Van Mieghem, patients can resolve all of their dental concerns in a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere.
Tooth Extraction Q&A
Joseph Van Mieghem DDSWhen is a tooth extraction needed?
There are certain cases where a diseased or decayed tooth cannot be salvaged and requires removal. Additionally, an extraction sometimes is helpful before a patient undergoes another dental procedure. You might need a tooth extraction if:
- You have periodontal disease
- You have a tooth that is loose at the root
- You have a tooth that is fractured, chipped, or misshaped
- You have extreme tooth decay
Tooth extractions may be necessary if you have extra teeth or baby teeth that are compromising your oral health.
What happens during a tooth extraction procedure?
Before your tooth extraction procedure, your provider takes X-rays of the tooth or teeth that require removal.
During your visit, you receive a local anesthetic that ensures you won’t feel any pain during the tooth extraction.
Your dentist uses a small tool to loosen the tooth at its root and lifts the tooth from surrounding gum tissue. Using forceps, your dentist then gently puts pressure on the tooth, wiggling it until it can be extracted entirely from your mouth.
In some cases, the tooth might need to be broken up into smaller pieces to be fully removed.
Your dentist fills the empty gum space with gauze to stop any bleeding, and may use stitches to close the wound, if necessary.
What are the results of a tooth extraction?
Once the tooth is removed, you might feel some pain or tenderness after the local anesthetic wears off. Your dentist can prescribe you pain medication, or you can take over-the-counter pain relievers to manage the discomfort. An ice pack also may help minimize swelling in your mouth and cheeks.
Your gum tissue heals on its own after several weeks. You might need to be careful about what you eat for the first several days to avoid pain and to give your mouth time to heal.
If you’re getting a replacement tooth, a bridge, or an implant, your dentist waits until your gums are healed to perform these procedures. To get the best results from your tooth extraction procedure, keep your mouth clean and practice good dental hygiene.
To learn more about tooth extraction procedures at Joseph Van Mieghem DDS, schedule an appointment online today.