Tooth Extraction Great Falls, MT
 We all want to maintain healthy teeth and a beautiful smile. Unfortunately, for most of us, this is easier said than done.
Most Americans will have to undergo some type of restorative treatment during their lifetime.
For some, this may include tooth extraction. Tooth extraction is the removal of a problematic tooth from its socket in the bone.
At River's Edge Dental, we may recommend a tooth extraction for several reasons. Do not worry though; we also offer some restorations designed to replace missing teeth.
Why You May Need an Extraction
Tooth extraction is usually a last resort to improve your oral health and prevent the spread of disease. Most extractions are the result of extensive damage caused by tooth decay or trauma. Other reasons include:
| • |
Extra Teeth. Sometimes extra teeth can block others from coming in or erupting in the proper position.
|
| • |
Baby Teeth. Sometimes baby teeth do not fall out in time to make space for the permanent ones.
|
| • |
Cancer Treatment. Certain cancer drugs and radiation treatments can cause teeth to become infected due to a weakened immune system.
|
| • |
Wisdom Teeth. Also known as third molars, these teeth do not erupt until we are in our late teens or oral 20s. In many cases, there is simply not enough room in our jaws to accommodate these new teeth. This can lead to impacted teeth, problems with eruption, and pain, irritation, or swelling of the gum tissues. |
Types of Extractions
There are two types of extractions: simple and surgical.
Most simple extractions will be performed by a general dentist. Simple extractions are performed on teeth that are above the gum line and can be gripped by a tool called an elevator.
A surgical extraction is used to remove a tooth that has yet to erupt or on that has broken off at the gum line. A surgical extraction is most common for the removal of wisdom teeth.
During the procedure, we will make an incision in the gum tissue to expose and remove the tooth. In some cases, we may also need to remove some of the bone.
Often, the tooth is broken into pieces to make the extraction easier.
After Your Extraction
After your extraction, we will give you a detailed set of post-operative instructions. Minor pain, discomfort, and swelling are common.
Once you have fully healed from your extraction, we can discuss possible replacements. It is important to replace a missing tooth as soon as possible.
Otherwise, you may experience complications with your bite and jawbone. We typically recommend dental implants, because they are the next best thing to your natural teeth.
Talk with Dr. David Currie to learn more about tooth replacement options.
FAQs
When is a tooth extraction necessary?
A tooth extraction may be necessary if a tooth is severely decayed, infected, damaged beyond repair, or causing crowding. Impacted wisdom teeth and advanced gum disease can also require removal. At River's Edge Dental, our dentists carefully evaluate your condition and recommend extraction only when it is the best option for your oral health.
Is a tooth extraction painful?
Your comfort is our priority. We use local anesthesia to fully numb the area before removing the tooth, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Some pressure is normal, and mild soreness afterward can be managed with aftercare instructions provided by our dental team in Great Falls, MT.
How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
Most patients recover within a few days, though complete healing of the extraction site can take a couple of weeks. Swelling and minor discomfort are common initially. Following the post-procedure guidelines from River's Edge Dental, such as resting, avoiding straws, and eating soft foods, will help support proper healing.
What is a dry socket and how can I prevent it?
A dry socket occurs when the protective blood clot at the extraction site becomes dislodged or dissolves too soon, exposing the underlying bone. This can cause significant discomfort. You can reduce the risk by avoiding smoking, not using straws, and carefully following aftercare instructions from our dentists.
Do I need to replace a tooth after it is extracted?
In many cases, replacing an extracted tooth is recommended to maintain proper bite alignment and prevent shifting of surrounding teeth. Options such as dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures may be discussed during your consultation at River's Edge Dental to determine the most appropriate solution for your needs in Great Falls, MT.
Schedule a Consultation Appointment
If you are experiencing problems with your oral health, call (406) 315-5882, and schedule your consultation appointment today! |
