Most of us don’t look forward to getting our teeth extracted. But once you take a moment to think about why a tooth extraction might occur — an injury, potential for decay, or an overcrowded smile, for example — it’s easy to recognize that the benefits of a tooth extraction far outweigh the temporary drawbacks. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the types of tooth extractions we perform at Summit Family Dentistry, along with what you can expect if you’re getting a tooth extracted.
Why Do I Need a Tooth Extraction?
Here are the most common reasons why someone would need a tooth extracted.
- Severe infection, possibly due to tooth decay
- Severe damage usually from trauma or injury
- Overcrowding
- Impacted wisdom tooth
Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Littleton, CO
Wisdom teeth are your last set of molars to grow in. They usually emerge when you’re around 17-20 years old. Because they’re located so far in the back of your mouth, wisdom teeth can grow in crooked, or be impacted and not grow in at all. Wisdom teeth are often hard to reach and hard to clean, making them susceptible to decay and infection. Since they don’t really serve an important purpose to your oral health, it’s often best to get them removed to prevent future issues. This is a very common form of tooth extraction.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
After you get your tooth extracted in our safe, comfortable dental office, we’ll send you home with personalized aftercare instructions. No matter your individual needs, there are some general extraction aftercare instructions:
- Take over-the-counter pain medicine as needed and as directed
- Ice the extraction area to reduce swelling and help with pain management
- Avoid using straws when drinking beverages
- Rinse your mouth with salt and warm water to keep the extraction site clear of bacteria
- Eat soft foods
- Don’t smoke
Family Dentistry in Littleton, CO
Need your wisdom teeth extracted? We can take care of that at Summit Family Dentistry. We offer comfortable sedation options for our patients who are having multiple teeth extracted or who experience anxiety. Whether you’re looking for preventive, cosmetic, or restorative dental care, we offer a variety of services to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. Contact us to schedule an appointment!
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