Tooth Extractions

When do I need a tooth extracted?

Teeth are extracted for numerous reasons at Eric Heim Dental. The reasons include:

• The tooth is not savable with a filling or a crown

• There has been significant bone loss and the bone cannot hold onto the tooth much longer

• The tooth has become infected and the patient does not want a root canal

• The remaining teeth are not able to support a partial denture and a complete denture is needed

• There is not enough room to straighten your teeth for orthodontics

Are tooth extractions painful?

At Eric Heim Dental, we make sure the patient is numb prior to any tooth extraction. The patient will feel pressure which is a sensation that is unable to be removed. The patient should not feel any sharp pain during the extraction. If there is sharp pain, we would get the patient more numb. If the patient is not interested in having the tooth removed under local anesthesia, we are able to refer to a specialists office that provides IV sedation. Under IV sedation, the patient would not remember the experience.

What will I do after the tooth is extracted to minimize discomfort?

Here is a link to our post operative instructions following an extraction. Please read and follow them. If you have any questions or concerns, please call our office.