Understanding the Tooth Extraction Procedure

If your tooth cannot be repaired with a crown or filling, tooth extraction might be necessary to maintain your mouth's health. Tooth extractions are performed to remove diseased, damaged, or overcrowded teeth. Normally, extractions are used as a last resort, however, when they are needed Dr. Petra Mayer will make sure you fully understand the procedure. If you need a tooth extraction due to an impacted molar or periodontal disease you need an experienced dentist who can handle your problems with care. Choose Dr. Mayer of Albuquerque, NM, to perform your tooth extraction procedure.

Reasons You Might Need A Tooth Extraction:

  • Impacted molar
  • Overcrowded teeth
  • Severe tooth decay
  • Gum disease/periodontal disease
  • Broken tooth
  • Abscessed/infected tooth

Among the most common reasons for tooth extraction is an impacted wisdom tooth. Because these molars are the last teeth to grow in adulthood, they often push on our other teeth as they come in. Sometimes this can be painful and cause crooked teeth, so your Albuquerque dentist will choose to remove your wisdom teeth. This is similar to tooth removal for overcrowded teeth, where a tooth might have grown awkwardly causing overlap with other teeth. However, removal for wisdom teeth is usually a surgical extraction rather than a simple extraction.

Types of Tooth Extractions:

  • Surgical Extraction
  • Simple Extraction

Surgical extractions are used for teeth that are not visible or are hard to reach. It is a more complex form of extraction which can require stronger general anesthesia to perform. Your dentist may also need to break the tooth into bits in order to remove it.

Simple extractions are used for teeth that are visible and easier to take out such as an abscessed molar. This type of extraction can be done with local anesthesia and the recovery time may be shorter. Talk with your dentist to find out which type of procedure is right for you.

Recovery from a Tooth Extraction Procedure

It is important to understand that a tooth extraction is a surgical procedure just like any other. You should prepare yourself accordingly as it could take a few days to recover. You might not be able to eat before the procedure and you should have someone drive you home. Under anesthesia do not eat anything too hot or too cold as your teeth will be extremely sensitive. Your gums will also bruise, making it difficult to chew hard foods. It's best that you prepare foods that are easier to eat like smoothies. Use pain medication and ice to reduce pain and swelling.

If you are in need of a tooth extraction call Dr. Mayer at (505) 881-2400 or visit our office in Albuquerque, NM.

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Tuesday:

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Wednesday:

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Thursday:

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Saturday:

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Sunday:

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Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed