Overview
Even though our dental team makes every attempt to conserve and maintain your natural teeth, there are instances in which a tooth or teeth might have to be taken out. A simple extraction takes out a tooth that's visible over the gums. This is normally done for a tooth that's decayed or damaged and cannot be repaired. A surgical extraction takes out a tooth that hasn't erupted over the gums. Surgical extractions are frequently performed to take out impacted teeth, like the wisdom teeth, that don't have sufficient space to fit into your mouth. No matter the reason for having an extraction at East Haddam Dental Associates, our staff will give you the best treatment. Our Moodus, CT office provides multiple sedation methods such as nitrous oxide and oral-conscious sedation, which means you can stay comfortable and calm throughout your treatment. Get in touch with our staff to learn more or to schedule an assessment with one of our seasoned dentists to boost your smile.
Reviews
Best Candidates
If your tooth was damaged or broken from decay, we can make every attempt to fix it using a filling, bonding, or crown. However, a tooth might be too far into decay and will have to be removed to prevent the damage from spreading — and also to conserve the health of the rest of the teeth. You could also require an extraction to remove a tooth or teeth, that can't fit in your mouth. This involves your third molars, popularly called wisdom teeth, which grow around age 17 – 21. In older kids, infant teeth that haven't naturally fallen out might have to get extracted so that they do not obstruct the permanent teeth. If you're getting orthodontics or contemplating Invisalign, then you might require an extraction to make space for the remaining teeth when they move into their normal place.
What To Expect
Dental extractions are done in our office using local anesthesia on the area near the tooth being treated. Different kinds of sedation might be used based on the degree of the extraction and also to help you stay relaxed in case you have some dental worries. As soon as you're prepared, we will start the procedure. To complete a simple extraction, we will loosen up the tooth using a special device called an elevator prior to removal. A surgical extraction entails making incisions into your gums to get to the tooth. If necessary, the tooth might be broken up into smaller pieces so that it can be taken out. When the tooth has been removed, we will stitch the incision in your gums. We can write a prescription for antibiotics that should be taken prior to and following the process — in case you've got a current illness, if your immune system is compromised, if the process is prolonged, or if you have some other special health problems.
Recovery
Based upon the anesthesia used throughout your extraction, you might be required to have an adult take you home. As your gums heal, you need to avoid using straws, smoking, and spitting. Your recovery will vary based on the extent of your dental extraction; however, many patients choose to eat soft, room-temperature food for at least a couple of days following the procedure. We will speak with you regarding what is normal as you recover and the best ways to look after your gums. Your gums will probably be inflamed after the procedure, therefore we suggest over-the-counter pain medicine and cold compresses. Sometimes, we can give you a written prescription for pain medicine and/or antibiotics. Besides some proposed follow-up visits, you should schedule regular appointments at East Haddam Dental Associates for dental examinations and cleanings so we can track your dental health following an extraction.
Insurance Coverage
An extraction is generally covered by dental insurance, but your sedation option may not be completely covered. Prior to your extraction, we'll call your insurance provider to ascertain your particular policy and estimate your out-of-pocket expenses. If you do not have dental insurance, then we can speak with you about the numerous payments we take together with information about low-interest medical financing.
Related Procedures
Simple and Surgical Extraction
If you've got a tooth that's damaged or if your mouth does not have space for a tooth, a tooth extraction at East Haddam Dental Associates will help in improving your oral health and smile. Make a consultation with us at our office in Moodus, CT to find out more about surgical and simple extractions. When you've got dental worries or fears, inquire about sedation methods to help you stay relaxed and calm throughout your process.