Tooth Extractions

Sometimes, tooth damage or decay is so extensive that extractions are the only viable treatment option. At Village Dental in Richmond Hill, Georgia, experienced general and cosmetic dentist Nils Anderson, DDS, regularly performs simple and surgical tooth extractions. If you think you might need tooth extractions, make an appointment by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.

What are tooth extractions?

During an extraction, Dr. Anderson uses surgical tools to remove a tooth from its socket. That reduces the risk of additional complications, improving your oral health.

Usually, Dr. Anderson treats cavities and tooth damage with conservative measures, like fillings or crowns. If you have extensive tooth damage or decay that fails to improve, extractions might be necessary.

Why would I need tooth extractions?

At Village Dental, Dr. Anderson performs tooth extractions to treat:

• Severe tooth decay
• Fractured teeth
• Impacted wisdom teeth
• Crowding

You might also benefit from tooth extractions if you have periodontitis (severe gum disease).

What are the types of tooth extractions?

At Village Dental, Dr. Anderson performs several types of tooth extractions:

Simple tooth extraction

If you have a tooth that’s above your gumline and easy to access, Dr. Anderson performs a simple extraction.

He numbs your mouth with a local anesthetic, carefully loosens your tooth with a tool called an elevator, and extracts it with dental forceps. Next, Dr. Anderson fills your empty socket with gauze, writes a prescription for antibiotics, and provides care instructions.

Surgical extraction

If you have impacted wisdom teeth, a severely broken tooth, or another issue that makes a tooth difficult to extract, Dr. Anderson performs a surgical extraction. 

He numbs your mouth with a local anesthetic, makes an incision above the impacted tooth, and carefully pulls back the tissue. Then, Dr. Anderson separates the tooth into several pieces, removes them one at a time, and stitches the incision closed. He fills your socket with gauze, writes a prescription for antibiotics, and provides care instructions.

What is recovery like after tooth extractions?

After tooth extractions, expect swelling, increased sensitivity, and bleeding. Take your medication as prescribed, attend each of your checkups at Village Dental, and get plenty of rest. You can return to work within a day or two, but you might need to wait a week or more to return to exercise or other strenuous activities.

What should I eat after tooth extractions?

After tooth extractions, avoid eating hard or crunchy foods for the first few days. Usually, Dr. Anderson recommends a special diet that includes soft foods like yogurt, scrambled eggs, or soup. 

To see if you’re a candidate for tooth extractions, make an appointment at Village Dental by calling the office or booking one online today.