At Dr. Teeth in Reno, we understand that tooth extraction can feel intimidating. Sometimes, it’s necessary to protect your overall oral health. Tooth extractions are part of our general dentistry services and are performed with your comfort and safety in mind. Whether it’s due to severe decay, damage, or overcrowding, Dr. Alison Defilippi and team are here to ensure that your tooth extraction in Reno, NV, is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
With our caring approach and advanced dental techniques, we’ll guide you through the process. We can help you understand what to expect before, during, and after your procedure.
Why Would You Need a Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction is often a last resort when a tooth is too damaged to be saved. Whatever the reason, Dr. Defilippi will evaluate your situation and determine the best course of action to protect your oral health. Some common reasons for tooth extraction include:
- Severe Decay or Infection: We may need to remove a tooth that has been damaged by decay or infection beyond repair. Removing an infected tooth may be the best option to prevent the spread of infection to other teeth or parts of your body.
- Overcrowding: Sometimes, there’s not enough room in your mouth for all your teeth to line up correctly. In these cases, we may remove a tooth to make space for orthodontic treatments like braces or Invisalign. This helps your teeth move into the right position for straighter teeth.
- Trauma or Damage: If you injure your tooth in an accident or while playing sports, and it’s too broken to fix with a crown or filling, it might need to be taken out. Removing the damaged tooth can help prevent pain and damage to other teeth. We can gently remove the tooth and restore it so you have an even bite.
- Impacted Teeth: Sometimes, teeth (such as wisdom teeth) become impacted. This means the teeth don’t fully emerge from the gums, leading to pain or other dental issues. In these cases, wisdom tooth extraction can relieve discomfort and prevent further complications.
The Tooth Extraction Process at Dr. Teeth
Dental extractions are a common general dentistry procedure. Our team at Dr. Teeth will ensure your experience is as smooth and comfortable as possible. Many patients may think that tooth extractions are painful, but ultimately removing problem teeth can relieve pain from infection or impaction.
Consultation and Examination
Before the extraction, Dr. Defilippi will conduct a thorough examination. She may take X-rays to assess the condition of your tooth and the surrounding bone structure. She’ll also discuss your options and answer your questions so you feel informed and comfortable moving forward.
Sedation Options
To make the procedure more comfortable, we offer sedation options, including oral conscious sedation. This helps reduce anxiety and ensures you remain relaxed throughout the process. We can use local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth so you won’t feel pain.
The Extraction Process
During the extraction, Dr. Defilippi will carefully remove the tooth. If the tooth is visible, she can perform a simple extraction. If you have an impacted or broken tooth, you may need a surgical extraction. In either case, we work gently and efficiently to ensure a quick and painless process.
Aftercare Instructions
As soon as the procedure is finished, we will place a piece of gauze over the area to help stop the bleeding. You’ll need to bite down gently on the gauze for about 30 to 45 minutes. This helps a blood clot form in the socket, which is a key part of the healing process.
Don’t rinse your mouth, spit, or use a straw for the first 24 hours because this could disturb the blood clot. Rest and avoid heavy physical activity for the rest of the day. When you lie down, keep your head slightly raised to help reduce swelling. You can also use an ice pack on your cheek if you notice swelling or discomfort.
We’ll give you written instructions to take home and explain how to keep the area clean, what foods to eat, and when to take any medication. If you follow these steps, you’ll help your mouth heal faster and more comfortably.
Replacing Your Extracted Tooth
After extracting the tooth, Dr. Defilippi will discuss options for replacing the missing tooth. Missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift, affect your bite, and even lead to bone loss over time. We offer several options for tooth replacement, including:
- Dental Implants: A long-term solution that mimics the look and function of a natural tooth, dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone. Implants use the same titanium used in hospitals to restore your missing tooth at the root. Our office uses tooth implants as a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture.
- Dental Bridges: A dental bridge can fill the gap left by an extracted tooth by anchoring to the surrounding teeth or implants. Dr. Defilippi will recommend a bridge if you have one or multiple missing teeth in a row. A bridge can fill the gap left by your lost teeth for a more balanced bite.
- Dentures and Partials: For patients missing multiple teeth, we may recommend dentures or partials. Partial dentures replace rows of missing teeth, and complete dentures replace upper and lower rows of teeth. Instead of removable dentures that lie on top of the gums, Dr. Defilippi may recommend an implant-supported denture for a more stable bite.
At Dr. Teeth, we want to help you achieve optimal oral health. Our dentist will work with you to develop a plan that meets your needs. Whether you need preventive care, restorative treatments, or tooth replacement solutions, our dentist will keep you healthy and restore your lost teeth if needed.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you think you might need a tooth extraction, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Alison Defilippi at Dr. Teeth in Reno, NV. We’re here to answer your questions and help you through the process, so your experience is as smooth and comfortable as possible. Contact us today at (775) 829-9929 or request an appointment and take the first step toward a healthier smile.