At Golden Heart Dental, we believe that teeth are meant to last a lifetime.
If you have damaged teeth, we will try to restore them if at all possible. If, however, the damage is beyond repair, tooth extraction may be the only viable option. We will do everything we can to ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure. You can always count on us for outstanding, gentle care.
Do I Need a Tooth Extraction?
There are different reasons why tooth extraction may be needed. A tooth may be severely damaged due to deep decay, advanced gum disease, infection of the tooth pulp, or trauma. A crowded mouth may also require tooth removal to allow permanent teeth to come in correctly, or to prepare for orthodontic treatment.
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, may need extraction due to damage or due to being impacted, meaning they are trapped in the jaw. We may also recommend the removal of wisdom teeth if they have the potential of causing problems down the road.
Video: Dental Trauma
Dr. Miller discusses how to proceed when someone has experienced dental trauma and the different techniques dentists use to treat the problem.
What Should I Expect?
Before your dental surgery, we will discuss the procedure and may recommend inhaled, oral, or IV sedation, or in some cases, general anesthesia. A simple extraction involves removing a tooth that is visible and accessible, while a surgical extraction is performed when a tooth is broken or impacted. Most patients experience minimal pain or discomfort during and following the procedure.
Care After Tooth Extraction
Once your oral surgery is over, the healing process begins. Bite down gently on the gauze we place in your mouth to reduce bleeding and make sure to apply an icepack to the area to reduce any swelling. Any discomfort may be alleviated using your prescribed medication.
For the first 48 hours after the procedure, make sure to refrain from smoking, spitting forcefully, or drinking through a straw. That will prevent the dislodging of the clot forming in the socket, which can result in a painful condition called dry socket.
Quality, gentle care in Fairbanks, AK
Contact Golden Heart Dental if you are experiencing pain or if you have a damaged tooth. We will use any conservative treatments possible to save your tooth, but if you need an extraction, we will do everything we can to ensure your procedure is comfortable and stress-free. We look forward to caring for all your dental needs! We are located in Fairbanks, AK. We often serve patients coming from the Fairbanks, Ester, and North Pole area of east-central Alaska. Call us today at 907-328-0868 to request an appointment!
Request Appointment
At Golden Heart Dental, we make it convenient to plan your visit. Schedule online or call us at 907-328-0868 to request an appointment time that fits your busy schedule. We can't wait to see you.