At Revival Dental in Metairie, LA, Dr. Rachel Neumeyer provides gentle and effective tooth extraction services. While we always aim to save your natural teeth whenever possible, sometimes removing a tooth is the best option for your overall dental health and comfort.
What is Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction is a dental procedure where a tooth is completely removed from its socket in the jawbone. Dr. Neumeyer and our experienced team at Revival Dental understand that the thought of having a tooth removed can be scary. That’s why we take extra care to ensure your comfort throughout the entire process.
There are two main types of tooth extractions:
- Simple Extraction: For teeth that are visible in the mouth and can be removed in one piece.
- Surgical Extraction: For teeth that are broken, hidden beneath the gums, or impacted (like wisdom teeth).
Reasons for Needing a Tooth Extraction
There are several reasons why Dr. Neumeyer might recommend removing a tooth:
- Severe Tooth Decay: When a tooth is too damaged to be saved by a filling or crown.
- Advanced Gum Disease: If periodontal disease has caused the tooth to loosen.
- Broken Teeth: Teeth that are severely cracked or broken and cannot be repaired.
- Overcrowded Mouth: Sometimes teeth need to be removed to make room for orthodontic treatment.
- Infection Risk: If a tooth poses a risk of infection, especially for patients with weakened immune systems.
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth: When wisdom teeth cannot properly emerge through the gums.
What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction
Before the Procedure
Dr. Neumeyer will take X-rays of your tooth and review your medical and dental history. This important step helps us plan for a safe extraction procedure. It’s essential that you share all information about medications you’re currently taking and any health conditions you have, as these factors can affect your treatment and recovery. We’ll use this information to create a personalized extraction plan for your specific needs.
During the Procedure
Your comfort is our top priority during the extraction process. Dr. Neumeyer will begin by administering a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth, ensuring you won’t feel pain during the procedure. For patients who experience dental anxiety, we offer additional sedation options to help you feel relaxed and at ease. Once you’re comfortable, Dr. Neumeyer will carefully loosen the tooth and gently remove it from its socket. In some cases, particularly with wisdom teeth or impacted teeth, a small incision in the gum tissue might be necessary to access the tooth properly. After the tooth has been successfully removed, gauze is placed over the extraction site to help form a blood clot, which is crucial for proper healing.
After the Procedure
Following your extraction, you’ll receive detailed care instructions to follow at home for optimal healing. These instructions typically involve biting gently on gauze for about 30-45 minutes to help stop bleeding. To reduce swelling, we recommend applying ice packs to your face in 20-minute intervals. Dr. Neumeyer may prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter options to manage any discomfort. During the initial healing phase, it’s best to eat soft foods and avoid using straws, smoking, or spitting forcefully, as these actions can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing. After 24 hours, gently rinsing with warm salt water several times a day will help keep the area clean. Most simple extractions heal within 7-10 days, while surgical extractions may require a bit more time to heal completely. Our team will schedule a follow-up appointment if necessary to ensure your mouth is healing properly.
Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth (third molars) typically emerge between ages 17-25. Dr. Neumeyer often recommends removing wisdom teeth because they can cause several problems:
- Prevents Pain and Discomfort: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause significant pain.
- Reduces Infection Risk: Partially erupted wisdom teeth create spaces where bacteria can grow.
- Protects Adjacent Teeth: Wisdom teeth can damage neighboring teeth.
- Prevents Crowding: Wisdom teeth can cause your other teeth to shift and become crooked.
- Avoids Cyst Formation: Impacted wisdom teeth can develop cysts that damage the jawbone and nerves.
Most patients find that removing wisdom teeth early prevents future problems and is easier than waiting until complications develop.
After healing from an extraction, Dr. Neumeyer can discuss tooth replacement options with you, including dental implants, dental bridge, or partial dentures.
Schedule Your Consultation at Revival Dental
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or have been told you might need an extraction, Dr. Rachel Neumeyer and our caring team at Revival Dental are here to help. We’ll evaluate your situation and discuss all your treatment options.
Request an appointment today by calling us at (504) 264-6013, or complete our online appointment request form on our website
Revival Dental provides gentle, expert care for patients throughout Metairie, LA and surrounding communities. We’re committed to making your dental experience as comfortable as possible, even for procedures like tooth extractions.