3 Types Of Tooth Extractions From Your Dentist In Valparaiso

Dental equipment holding an extracted tooth

Did you know that a whopping 74% of adults have had a tooth pulled at some time in their lives? Although many people generally think of extractions as something that goes hand in hand with wisdom teeth, there are actually three different types of basic tooth extraction procedures. In this post, your expert dentist in Valparaiso explains the triad of procedures. Learn more about making room in your smile with the team from Smiles of Valparaiso & Associates.

Why Would I Need to Have a Tooth Extracted?

There are three common types of tooth extractions: simple extractions, impacted tooth extractions, and the removal of tooth roots. Before we explain each of these, let’s look at the typical reasons why you might need to have a tooth removed, including:

Trauma to the tooth
Impacted wisdom teeth
Extensive decay
Broken teeth that can’t be repaired with crowns
To prepare for orthodontics
Severe crowding in tooth alignment

Regardless of the reason you need to have a tooth removed, Dr. Arnold and his team will make sure you’re completely comfortable during the entire process. If you’re concerned about pain, don’t be! Our goal is to make every procedure easy for each patient we see.

What Are Simple Tooth Extractions?

As the most common dental procedure in the United States, simple tooth extractions are a removal technique that can be completed without the need to access the tooth below the gum line. This is generally done when the shape of the tooth and roots lends themselves to easy removal. After making sure the area is numb and that you’re completely comfortable, our dentists will usually use forceps to take the tooth out.

What Are Impacted Tooth Extractions?

The most common type of impacted tooth extraction is usually performed when wisdom teeth do not come incorrectly. When teeth become impacted and cannot erupt through the gums properly, oral surgery is needed to remove the tooth to keep your smile healthy. Rather than leaving your compromised tooth essentially stuck in your jawbone, this option works to ensure the safety of your teeth and jaw.

What Is the Removal of Tooth Roots?

In some instances, your teeth can leave their roots behind when dentitions themselves are extracted. These residual roots can cause pain and other dental trouble, but our team can help. After numbing the area, we’ll access the tooth roots and remove them, making your teeth happy and healthy again.

How Can I Care for My Smile After I’ve Had a Tooth Extracted?

We suggest the following strategies to care for your smile after you’ve had a tooth extraction performed:

Take pain medication as prescribed, or use over-the-counter options like ibuprofen.
Use ice or a cold pack on the side of the face for 10 minutes at a time.
Leave the gauze in your mouth for 3-4 hours after the extraction, and change the gauze as necessary during this time.
Avoid drinking from a straw for 24 hours after the procedure.
Avoid lying flat on your back, since this can prolong bleeding in the area. When lying down, prop your head up with a pillow or two.
Try not to spit using excessive force, since this can interfere with the important clot that has formed over the area where the tooth was extracted.
Don’t smoke – this can inhibit healing.
Eat soft foods like soup, yogurt, applesauce, and maybe even indulgence of ice cream. Once the area starts to heal, you can add solid foods back into your diet.

So, if you have questions about tooth extractions, schedule your appointment with Smiles of Valparaiso & Associates to keep your smile healthy!