Tooth Extractions
Tooth extractions are a very common procedure at our dental office in Hillsboro, OR. A variety of conditions (extensive tooth decay, broken teeth, infections, etc.) can lead to the need for a tooth extraction. Sometimes tooth fillings, root canals, and other restorative procedures can save a damaged tooth, but in severe cases, a tooth must be removed to protect your oral health. Teeth Extractions are only considered if it is not possible to save your natural tooth, and our dentists (Hillsboro Dentists), Dr Ostovar and Dr Dhadli, fully evaluate your situation before presenting all your dental treatment options.
Most patients want to have their teeth replaced as soon as possible after an extraction. Our dentists: Dr.Ostovar and Dr. Dhadli are also experts at placing dental implants, which permanently replace your missing teeth with secure, natural-looking replacement teeth. If you are interested in dental implants, your dentist at east Wind dental Care can start to plan for your treatment before your tooth is extracted, reducing (and in some cases, eliminating) the amount of time you have to go without teeth.
Conditions That Can Lead to Dental Extractions
Many conditions or injuries may require extraction for treatment. Some of these conditions are treatable or avoidable if caught early enough, but once too much damage has taken place, an extraction may become necessary to prevent more damage from occurring. Below are a few of the conditions that can lead to dental extraction:
- Advanced tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Tooth loosening
- Broken or knocked-out teeth
- Dental crowding
- Baby teeth not falling out in time
No matter why you need a tooth extracted, our dentists are trained to remove teeth safely and efficiently. Even when teeth are damaged or broken off, our dentists can remove the roots of teeth and ensure that all signs of infection are eliminated.
At Your Hillsboro Dentist Office, East Wind Dental Care, we understand that having a complete, natural smile is key to feeling confident in your daily life. We also know that on occasion, circumstances may arise that require a patient to receive a routine or emergency tooth extraction in order to preserve overall oral health. As your Hillsboro dentist, Dr. Merat Ostovar and Dr. Dhadli knows that the decision to extract can be a difficult one, so the Dentist (Hillsboro Dental) makes sure that every aspect of the procedure is as stress-free and comfortable for our patients as possible by keeping you well informed, aware of what is happening, and aware of what your choices are along the way.
Tooth extraction is performed only after all alternatives have been considered and ruled out. Situations that may lead to an extraction include:
When Is a Tooth Extraction Needed?
- Infection or risk of infection from decay (may require emergency tooth extraction)
- A tooth that is severely damaged from trauma (may require emergency tooth extraction)
- Impacted wisdom teeth (results in a wisdom tooth extraction)
- Overcrowded teeth (often requires orthodontic treatment)
What Is Tooth Extractions Procedure?
Tooth extractions is a routine procedure for Dr. Merat Ostovar, though, in some instances, an emergency tooth extraction may be called for. Tooth extractions procedure steps includes:
- X-rays to assess the location, size, and position of the tooth to be removed to help determine the extent of the procedure
- An assessment of the anesthesia and sedation options that will best serve your needs, allowing for a pain-free, less-than-memorable experience
- The careful removal of the tooth, which often includes a bone-preserving graft
After the tooth has been removed, Dr. Ostovar will have you bite down on some gauze in order to help stop the bleeding, so that a blood clot can form.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
After your extraction, your recovery typically takes a couple of days. The following tips will help you relieve discomfort and avoid complications.
- Take pain relievers as prescribed or recommended.
- Leave gauze in place for the recommended amount of time.
- Apply ice for 10 minutes at a time to minimize swelling after the procedure.
- Avoid rinsing, sucking, or spitting for six hours after the procedure.
- After six hours, rinse your mouth with ½ teaspoon of salt and warm water.
- Do not smoke.
- Eat soft foods the day after the extraction; gradually add solid foods as the extraction site heals.
- Avoid the extraction site when brushing your teeth.
When teeth must be removed, especially ones that appear in your smile, there are a number of natural-looking, permanent tooth-replacement options, such as implants, that can give your smile a second chance.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Hillsboro, Oregon
If you or your child needs to have wisdom teeth removed in Hillsboro, OR, East Wind Dental Care is here to help. Most adults develop four — one in each corner of the mouth behind the second molars. Unfortunately, there is not usually enough room for these extra molars to grow in without causing problems. Removing these molars early can help prevent infections, dental shifting, cysts, and even tumors.
These molars (the third and final set) are the last teeth to erupt in the mouth. They usually grow in between the ages of 17 and 25. When there is not enough space for your wisdom teeth to grow in, they tend to grow in sideways. This angled growth can lead to a collision with your second molars, damaging your existing healthy teeth. These molars teeth also tend to become impacted (partially trapped beneath the gums), which creates a space for bacteria and germs to hide and cause infections. Most dental professionals recommend having regular checkups to track the location of your wisdom teeth and prevent these problems.
Why have wisdom teeth removed?
If your teeth grow in without causing problems, they will not need to be removed, but in most cases, removing them prevents oral and dental health problems.
Early wisdom teeth removal can prevent the following issues:
- Force misdirection and crowding of healthy teeth
- Infections of the gum and bone tissue surrounding the wisdom teeth
- Impacted teeth damaging adjacent molars
- Swelling, stiffness, and pain caused by gum disease
- Development of cysts and tumors in the bone around infected teeth
Some of these problems can cause serious bone damage if not treated quickly. Having the molars evaluated regularly can help prevent unnecessary pain and discomfort for you or your child.
When is the best time for wisdom teeth extraction?
The right age for removal can differ for every patient. Since the teeth start developing beneath the gums long before they grow in, it’s hard to know if they are growing in correctly before it’s too late. Having regular dental checkups once every six months is the best way to know when removal is necessary. In general, early removal (between ages 14 and 20) can make the entire process easier for the following reasons:
- Wisdom teeth are smaller at earlier stages, making removal and recovery easier.
- Removing the teeth before problems arise prevents pain and discomfort later.
- Younger patients have better healing capabilities, which leads to faster recovery times.
Even if your teeth have fully grown in, removal is almost always possible when you go to skilled dentists. Our dentists (dentist hillsboro oregon) have years of experience removing wisdom teeth efficiently and safely.
FAQ
Q: “Are tooth extractions painful?“
A: It is normal to experience some pain after the anesthetic wears off. There may also be some swelling and bleeding for up to 24 hours after the tooth extraction. If pain is severe or bleeding doesn’t stop, you should contact us immediately.
Q: “What is a dry socket?“
A: On occasion, the blood clot that has formed in the socket breaks loose. This is referred to as a dry socket.
Q: “Will insurance cover tooth extractions? How much is tooth extraction cost with insurance?“
A: Whether your tooth extraction or emergency tooth extraction is covered by your insurance depends on your provider. Our Hillsboro dental staff will help you find out if your extraction is covered and, if not, what additional financial solutions are available to you.
To schedule an appointment with our Hillsboro dental office (dentist hillsboro oregon), call East Wind Dental Care at (503) 614-0198 today.
Hillsboro, OR 97124