Tooth Extractions – Santa Fe, NM
Removing Problematic Teeth to Save Your Smile
Your teeth are important for all kinds of practical tasks, including eating, speaking, and of course, smiling. That’s why our first choice is always to save them! That said, the ones that threaten your oral wellness sometimes cannot be restored or salvaged, and, as a result, they might need to be extracted. If that’s the case, then Dr. Zhang will ensure you’re confident about the procedure, well-prepared to make a quick recovery, and have the tooth replaced if necessary. If you’d like, you can also read on to learn more about this emergency dentistry treatment.
Why Choose Juniper Dental for Tooth Extractions?
- Same-Day Emergency Treatment Available
- Friendly and Compassionate Dental Team
- High-Quality Restorations Available
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
Dr. Zhang will only suggest a tooth extraction when the tooth or teeth in question are endangering the rest of your smile, and all other avenues of treatment have been explored and deemed unviable. A few situations that often warrant tooth extraction include:
- A tooth is so damaged or decayed that a filling or another type of restoration won’t suffice.
- Gum disease has advanced to the point where the tooth cannot remain inside the mouth.
- A baby tooth hasn’t fallen out on its own.
- There are teeth that need to be removed in advance of orthodontic treatment.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
There are two types of tooth extractions. The first is a simple extraction, which involves us gently rocking the tooth loose until it’s ready to be removed. The second is a surgical extraction, which is used when the tooth is trapped underneath the gumline. In this case, we need to make a small incision in the gums to access the tooth before we work to remove it. In both cases, your mouth will be thoroughly numbed beforehand, ensuring you don’t feel any pain or discomfort during your time in the treatment chair.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
It’s important to dedicate the days following your tooth extraction to healing. More specifically, we recommend:
- Using a cold compress to ease inflammation and discomfort
- Eating only extremely soft foods, like yogurt and cottage cheese
- Not smoking, drinking alcohol, using a straw, or spitting
- Taking prescribed or OTC pain medication as directed
- Brushing carefully around the extraction site
- Keeping your head elevated
Remember, if you have any questions regarding your tooth extraction in Santa Fe, you’re more than welcome to bring them to us! We’d be happy to provide you with the answers you’re looking for, schedule an appointment at our office, and begin the process of restoring your healthy, pain-free smile.