Dental Extractions
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

At Nicoma Park Dental, we believe that teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and will do whatever we can to save a natural tooth. Unfortunately, in some cases, tooth extraction is the only viable option. Our skilled and experienced dentist has the expertise and knowledge needed to provide gentle, conservative care, and also offers sedation options to ensure your comfort during treatment.

Do You Need a Tooth Extraction?

You may need a tooth extraction if your teeth are severely decayed or if you have advanced gum disease. Tooth decay can damage the inner layers of a tooth beyond repair, while periodontal (gum) disease can erode the bone and tissue supporting the teeth. If restorative treatments are not feasible, extraction is the only option.

We may also need to perform extractions on teeth with severe infections that cannot be resolved using medication or root canal therapy or ones that are broken or damaged beyond repair due to trauma. Extraction will often provide pain relief in the event of a dental emergency when no other option is available.

At times, we need to extract teeth blocking permanent ones from coming in correctly. We may also need to remove teeth as a part of orthodontic treatment in the event of crowding, to make the necessary room for the remaining teeth to shift into place.

One of the most common oral surgeries performed is the extraction of wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars. They may have cavities or may be impacted, meaning they are trapped in your jaw, potentially causing excruciating pain. Wisdom may come in at a wrong angle, pressing against other teeth, or your jaw may not have sufficient room. These problematic teeth can lead to decay, infection, gum disease, and other conditions. Even if your wisdom teeth are not painful, if they have the potential to cause problems, we will likely recommend extraction.

Types of Extractions

There are two types of extractions: simple and surgical. Simple tooth removal is a quick procedure performed on teeth that are visible above the gum line. It involves loosening the tooth and gently removing it from the socket. Surgical extraction, on the other hand, is performed on a tooth that is weak, impacted, or fractured at the gum line. We may need to divide the tooth into sections to make extraction easier.

With today’s advances in dental technology, most patients experience minimal pain or discomfort following tooth extraction. We may prescribe pain medication for use as needed.

The Healing Process

You will need to bite down on a piece of gauze for a short while after the extraction to stop the bleeding. If you have any swelling, ice packs or cold compresses will help. Make sure to avoid strenuous activity for at least two days to help with your healing.

It is also important to refrain from spitting forcefully, drinking from a straw, or smoking to avoid dislodging the clot forming in your tooth socket. If that happens, you could develop a painful condition called dry socket which will need treatment at our office.