Extraction

Extraction / tooth extractions are sometimes necessary to preserve a patient’s oral health and overall well-being. We perform the procedure with the utmost care at our dental practice, so please call 316-684-4921 to book an appointment. 

No matter how well you care for your teeth, sometimes problems can occur that standard treatments cannot help. Though dentists always try to preserve a natural tooth, you may need a tooth pulled for the sake of your health and comfort. 

Blyholder Family Dentistry has years of experience providing quality dental care for patients of all ages, including tooth extraction in Wichita, KS. Our skilled dentists will thoroughly assess the condition of your teeth to determine the best treatment plan. If extraction is the ideal solution, we will ensure that you are comfortable throughout the entire process. 

What Is Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction is the removal of one or more teeth that are causing problems for a person’s dental health. For example, some dental issues can affect chewing and speaking or cause jaw pain. Unfortunately, standard treatments will not work for every case, so the only solution is to remove the entire tooth, allow the site to heal, and explore restorative dental treatments for the patient. 

Removing teeth is usually a straightforward outpatient procedure at Blyholder Family Dentistry in Wichita. However, if extraction is necessary, we administer local, general, or intravenous anesthesia to help you relax and block pain. 

Our dental practice may perform one of two types of tooth extractions depending on the condition of your affected tooth:

• Simple Extraction: During this procedure, we will use tools to remove a visible tooth by jiggling and pulling it out of its socket.
• Surgical Extraction: If a tooth breaks below the gum line, we will incise the gum tissues to expose the tooth. Removing an impacted wisdom tooth is an example of surgical extraction. 

Emergency Extraction in Wichita, KS

Sometimes, a tooth extraction needs to occur within 24 to 48 hours to prevent harm to a person’s oral or general health. That is an emergency extraction. At Blyholder Family Dentistry, we may quickly pull a tooth that puts a patient’s health at risk. 

Reasons we may consider an emergency extraction include severe tooth breaks, extreme pain, and a significant infection around a tooth. 

Reasons for Tooth Extraction in Wichita, KS

Whenever possible, our team will work diligently to save a tooth. However, you might need a tooth extraction if you have any of the following conditions:

• Severely damaged or cracked teeth
• Extreme tooth decay
• Impacted wisdom teeth
• Untreated gum disease
• Broken teeth near the gum line
• Severe toothache

In some cases, a patient may need a healthy tooth pulled as part of an orthodontic plan. If teeth are overcrowding the mouth, it can be challenging to implement specific treatments like braces. By removing an extra or out-of-place tooth, the row of teeth can achieve a better alignment. 

Tooth Extraction Process

When it is time to remove a tooth, a dentist will begin the procedure by administering a local anesthetic to numb the gums, jawbone, and teeth around the area. If you are too nervous or undergoing a surgical tooth extraction, we will provide sedation to help you relax and prevent pain. 

During a simple extraction, you might feel pressure as the dentist rocks the tooth back and forth to loosen it from its position. The purpose of the movement is to widen the socket in the gums. Despite the sense of pressure, you will not feel pain.

Post-Extraction Care

After an extraction, the socket must form a blood clot to stop the bleed and initiate the healing process. The dentist will instruct you to bite on a gauze pad for up to 45 minutes after the procedure. Once the clot forms, it must remain in place, so do not drink alcohol, brush your teeth near the wound, or suck on straws. 

You might experience some pain and jaw swelling after tooth extraction. You can alleviate swelling by placing a cloth-covered ice pack on the jaw site. Take all medication as prescribed.

Tooth Replacement Options

You don’t have to keep a gap in your mouth after tooth removal. Blyholder Family Dentistry also practices restorative dentistry to transform smiles. Our team can use dental implants, bridges, and dentures to fit you with natural-looking replacement teeth once the extraction site heals. 

Blyholder Family Dentistry is here to assist with a tooth extraction in Wichita, KS. Our highly experienced dental team aims to preserve natural teeth, but we can expertly pull teeth to improve your oral health. To schedule an appointment, contact our team at 316-684-4921 today.