Dental Extractions

Extraction is a common dental procedure that is performed for many different reasons. Sometimes teeth cannot be saved and must be pulled. At Rangel Dental, our experienced team uses gentle dental techniques and anesthesia that keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities, and we strive to make your dental experience stress-free.

When a tooth is broken or has significant decay, the ideal solution is to restore it using a filling, crown, or another dental procedure. If restoration is not possible due to the condition of the tooth, an extraction may be recommended to prevent infection and protect your oral health. Some other reasons extraction may be necessary include:

• A tooth is seriously injured, cracked, or broken
• Infection, decay, or damage has affected the tooth root
• Overcrowding of teeth
• Baby teeth that don’t fall out to allow permanent teeth to erupt
• Before orthodontic treatment to create more space for teeth to shift into place
• Wisdom teeth removal
• Loose teeth from advanced periodontal disease

The Extraction Procedure

Most extractions can be performed with the use of local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. In some cases, nitrous oxide or another type of sedation may be administered. The tooth is then gently loosened and removed. Stitches are sometimes needed, and may be dissolvable or require removal at your follow-up appointment.

During the extraction process, you may feel some pressure but shouldn’t feel any pain.  After the tooth is removed, gauze pads are placed at the extraction site and you’ll bite down on them for 30 -45 minutes to stop bleeding and allow a blood clot to form.

Do not rinse vigorously, use a straw, smoke, drink alcohol, or brush the extraction site for 72 hours after the procedure. You may be required to eat a soft diet for several days. Some pain and swelling is normal after an extraction. Using an ice pack and taking a pain reliever such as ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling. Keeping your mouth clean is essential to healing, so you should resume your regular brushing and flossing of your other teeth within 24 hours. If you experience any problems such as heavy or continued bleeding, severe pain or infection contact our office right away.

If your tooth or teeth were extracted due to decay, dental implants are a stable, long-lasting tooth replacement option that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Implants can keep your other teeth from shifting and prevent deterioration of bone at the extraction site.  If you’re not a candidate for dental implants, your dentist may recommend another tooth restoration option such as a dental bridge, partial, or traditional dentures, depending on your specific needs. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about your extraction and discuss solutions that can help restore your smile and improve your oral health.

Getting a dental extraction doesn’t have to be daunting. Our experienced dentists are skilled in gentle, effective tooth removal techniques and use state-of-the-art technology to help patients feel comfortable and confident before, during, and after dental treatment. Contact us online to schedule an appointment, or call 973-292-0001 to speak with a member of our team at Rangel Dental today. We serve patients throughout Morris County, NJ, and surrounding areas.