Tooth Extractions – Woodbridge, CT

Gentle Extractions to Protect Your Oral Health

Clasp holding extracted tooth

In most cases, we are able to repair any teeth that have developed decay or damage. Sometimes, though, a tooth (or teeth) can be in such a state that the only viable option is to perform gentle tooth extractions to protect your oral health. When this is necessary, our Woodbridge team takes measures to keep a patient comfortable from beginning to end of the surgical procedure, including answering all questions beforehand and using plenty of local anesthetic.

Why Choose New Haven Dental Group for Tooth Extractions?

Sedation Dentistry Creates a Comfortable Experience
Extractions Are a Last resort
Natural-Feeling Tooth Replacements Available

Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary

Man with healthy smile

There are a number of reasons why we may recommend that a patient undergo one or more tooth extractions:

A tooth has a cavity that is too big to be repaired with a filling, inlay, onlay, or crown.
A tooth’s enamel is so badly damaged that it cannot support a restoration.
A severe infection, such as advanced gum disease, has weakened the bone supporting the tooth.
A baby tooth is interfering with the development of a permanent tooth
More room is needed in the mouth for a denture or upcoming orthodontic treatment
A wisdom tooth is threatening a patient’s long-term oral health.
We wish to stop an infection in a tooth from spreading into the surrounding tissues.

The Process of Removing a Tooth

Blond dental patient reclining in treatment chair, smiling

We begin the extraction process by numbing a patient’s mouth. We may also administer sedation. Then, we usually take an instrument called an elevator to lift the tooth out of its socket. Next, we use forceps to rock the tooth back and forth in order to break the tissues that are holding it in place. Once the tooth is out, we use gauze to control bleeding.

Some cases are a little more complex. We might have to break a tooth into pieces or create incisions in the gums in order to perform a successful extraction.

Following tooth removal, we can begin the process of planning to fill in the gap in your smile with a bridge or dental implant.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

Glass of salt water sitting on tabletop

Here are some practical things you can do to facilitate a smooth recovery after a tooth extraction:

Take prescribed medications as instructed by our team.
After the first 24 hours, begin regularly rinsing your mouth with warm salt water.
Get enough rest, and prop your head up with pillows when you are lying down.
Do not smoke.
Do not use drinking straws.
Do not touch your extraction sites with your tongue or fingers.
Attend all recommended follow-up appointments with our team so we can move forward with your tooth replacement. We want to help you avoid complications like dental drift and further tooth loss.

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