We know that the thought of having a tooth extracted can be stressful for many patients. But sometimes it’s necessary to remove a tooth to protect your oral health. Tooth extractions are a routine procedure in our general dentistry offerings.
Dr. Anthony Guillen and Dr. Kristian Sievert provide gentle tooth extractions to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Our team gently removes damaged, decayed, or overcrowded teeth with care. We focus on making the entire process as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Tooth Extractions in Reno, NV
A tooth extraction means carefully taking out a tooth from its socket in your jawbone. There are two kinds of extractions we offer at our Reno dental office. For teeth that are fully visible and easy to reach, we do a simple extraction. This is the more straightforward type.
Some teeth need surgical removal instead. This might be because they’ve broken off at the gumline or haven’t fully come in yet, like many wisdom teeth. Surgical extractions require special techniques to remove the tooth safely.
Both procedures are common and help protect your dental health when a tooth can’t be saved. However, we usually reserve them for when all else fails and we can’t save the tooth. Dr. Guillen or Dr. Sievert will examine your tooth and explain which type you need and why.
Why Do You Need a Tooth Extraction?
You may need a tooth extracted for these main reasons:
- Severe Tooth Decay: Sometimes, a tooth can become so damaged by decay that a filling or crown won’t be enough to save it. Removing it may be the best choice if the decay reaches deep into the tooth and affects the roots or surrounding bone. Extracting a badly decayed tooth helps stop the infection from spreading to other teeth. This also prevents ongoing pain and other issues that can come from a severely damaged tooth.
- Advanced Gum Disease: Gum disease can weaken bones and tissues, making teeth loose or unstable. If the damage is too severe, the tooth won’t stay firmly in your jaw. Removing it can help protect your remaining teeth and gums from further harm. In some cases, extracting a loose tooth is necessary before considering replacements like dentures or implants.
- Overcrowded Teeth: If your mouth doesn’t have enough space for all your teeth, they may become crooked or push against each other. Sometimes, removing one or more teeth will make room for braces or other orthodontic treatments. This helps align your teeth properly so they function better and look more even. Extractions for overcrowding are often part of a larger plan to improve your bite and smile.
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth, which usually appear in your late teens or early twenties, often don’t have enough space to grow in properly. When they get stuck under the gums or in the jawbone, they’re called “impacted.” Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, or even damage nearby teeth. Removing them prevents future problems and keeps your mouth healthy.
Tooth Extraction Treatment at Great Basin Dental
We know having a tooth removed can feel scary, but we’ll walk you through every step to make sure you’re comfortable. Before we do anything, Dr. Guillen or Dr. Sievert will sit down with you to explain what’s going to happen. They’ll answer all your questions so there are no surprises.
First, we need to get a good look at your tooth. We’ll take digital X-rays that show us exactly how your tooth is positioned in your jaw. These special pictures help us decide whether it’s a simple pull or if we’ll need to do a little more work to get the tooth out safely.
When it’s time for the procedure, we start by making sure you won’t feel any pain. We use a local anesthetic to completely numb the area around your tooth. If you’re really nervous, just let us know. We have sedation options that can help you relax through the whole thing.
For a simple extraction, we use special tools to gently loosen your tooth and lift it out. It’s usually quicker than you’d think. If your tooth is broken or stuck, like wisdom teeth often are, we might need to do a surgical extraction. This means making a small cut in your gum to reach the tooth better.
After we remove your tooth, we’ll give you clear instructions on how to take care of the area while it heals. You’ll learn how to stop any bleeding, what foods to avoid, and how to keep it clean. We’ll also tell you what’s normal to feel afterward and when to call us if something doesn’t seem right.
We make the whole process as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Our team has helped hundreds of patients through extractions, so you’re in good hands. Remember, taking out a problem tooth now can prevent bigger issues later and keep your mouth healthy.
Aftercare and Recovery
After we remove your tooth, it’s important to follow our care instructions so you heal properly. We’ll go over everything you need to know before you leave our office, but here are some things to remember as you recover:
- Take Time to Rest: Your body needs energy to heal after an extraction, so plan to take it easy for at least 2-3 days. Avoid strenuous activities like exercise or heavy lifting that could increase bleeding. Try propping your head up with extra pillows when you sleep to help reduce swelling. The more you rest in those first few days, the faster you’ll feel better.
- Use Ice to Reduce Swelling: You’ll likely have some swelling after the procedure, which is completely normal. Gently hold an ice pack or cold compress against your cheek near the extraction site for 15 minutes at a time. Do this several times during the first day to keep swelling down. Always wrap ice packs in a thin towel so you don’t irritate your skin.
- Skip the Straws: That blood clot forming in your empty tooth socket is crucial for healing, so you’ll want to protect it. Avoid using straws for at least 3-4 days because the sucking motion can dislodge the clot. Also try not to spit forcefully. Spitting creates the same kind of suction that could cause problems with your healing.
- Choose Soft Foods: Stick to easy-to-eat foods that don’t need much chewing while your mouth heals. As you start feeling better, you can slowly add more solid foods back into your diet over the next several days. Just avoid crunchy, sticky, or hard foods that might bother the extraction site.
- Managing Any Discomfort: Some soreness is normal after the numbing medicine wears off. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen usually work well for most people. If you need something stronger, we can prescribe medication. The discomfort should gradually improve each day, but call us if the pain gets worse instead of better.
Remember, we’re always here if you have questions about your recovery. Just give us a call if anything doesn’t seem right or if you’re unsure about what you should be doing. Taking good care of yourself now means you’ll be back to normal faster.
Get Comfortable Tooth Extractions at Great Basin Dental
At Great Basin Dental, we prioritize your comfort and well-being throughout the tooth extraction process. If you think you may need a tooth pulled or have questions about the procedure, don’t hesitate to contact us at 775-363-9644. You can also request an appointment online. Our experienced team is always here to provide you with judgement-free care and support.