Extractions

We always do everything we can to preserve a patient’s natural teeth, but sometimes, despite all our efforts, it’s just not enough. When restoration procedures such as root canal therapy, crowns, or fillings fail to save a tooth, it may need to be extracted.

Simply put, a tooth extraction is a procedure performed to remove a tooth and its root. Often, an extraction is a last resort, when efforts to save the tooth have been unsuccessful. However, sometimes an extraction is necessary as part of a larger treatment plan, when there is overcrowding, for example.

Tooth extractions today are far less painful than ever before thanks to powerful anesthetics and sedatives. In many cases, a patient who has a tooth pulled experiences little or no discomfort and only minor bleeding. Before a tooth is extracted, the area surrounding the tooth is numbed with a topical/and or injectable anesthetic such as Novocaine.

The procedure itself can be rather quick, or it may take some time, depending on how many teeth need to be extracted, the state of the tooth being extracted, whether it is erupted or impacted, and other factors. However, there is no need to fear this procedure. Dr. Brooks is highly experienced and will perform your tooth extraction with the utmost care to ensure you stay as comfortable as possible before, during, and after the procedure.

Dr. Brooks will send you home with important after-care instructions for you to follow. He and his staff will also be available to answer any questions you have after the procedure. You may need to take an antibiotic. At the very least, you will need to take precautions to prevent infection or injury.

Caution: Refrain from smoking, vigorous brushing and rinsing, and drinking liquids through straws during the postoperative period because these actions hinder healing and may cause the wound to open.

Tip: Cold compresses applied to the outside cheek near the extraction area can help reduce any swelling and promote faster healing.

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that erupt in the back of the upper and lower adult mouth. Unfortunately, most patients have problems with their wisdom teeth. In many cases, this is because the teeth erupt too close to existing permanent teeth, causing crowding, improper bite, and other problems.

If wisdom teeth are causing a problem, this could mean they are impacted. In other words, they are not fully erupted. Impacted wisdom teeth can be extremely painful as well as harmful to your oral health. Signs of impacted wisdom teeth include:

Many patients need to have their wisdom teeth extracted to avoid future issues with their oral health. Dr. Brooks has decades of experience extracting wisdom teeth.

If you have questions about tooth extraction or are concerned about your own or your child’s wisdom teeth, please contact our office in St. Paul, MN to schedule your consultation with Dr. Mark Brooks.