Tooth Extraction
As much as we would love to heal and save every tooth, sometimes it isn't possible or in your best interest. Sometimes, the best and safest option is removing the tooth to protect your oral health.
Tooth extraction is no one's favorite topic, but you can count on us to do everything to ensure you have the most comfortable experience possible. A friendly, supportive environment, a caring dental team, and comforting sedation dentistry ensure a stress-free experience.
Common Reasons for Tooth Extraction
There are many reasons why our dentist might recommend removing a tooth. Some of the most common are:
- A cracked or broken tooth — In most cases, we can repair small cracks and breaks in a tooth. Sometimes, however, the fracture is so extensive that we can't salvage the tooth. This damage often results from teeth grinding that weakens tooth enamel or dental trauma caused by a sports injury.
- Severe tooth decay — When we catch a cavity soon enough, we can treat it with a filling or dental crown. Without prompt treatment, decay advances so that we can no longer restore the tooth and must remove it to protect your dental health.
- Advanced gum disease — Without treatment, gum disease progresses and causes jawbone loss that leads to teeth becoming loose and requiring extraction.
- Orthodontic treatment — If you have orthodontic treatment, removing one or more teeth may be necessary to provide enough room to straighten and align your smile properly.
- Wisdom teeth — Also called third molars, wisdom teeth are the last to appear in your late teens or early 20s. Often, these teeth cause crowding and discomfort, and the best option is often to remove them.
- Dental implants or dentures — If you are missing many teeth and considering dental implants or dentures, our dentist may recommend removing the remaining teeth before implant placement.
What to Expect during Tooth Extraction
Having a tooth extracted is a big deal, regardless of the reason. We understand you may experience feelings over losing a tooth and even wonder if it's necessary.
Information is power, and Dr. Daniel will carefully explain why he recommends removing a tooth. He shows you x-rays and intraoral images of the tooth so you can better understand why we recommend extraction.
We encourage you to ask questions and share your concerns with us because we want you to feel confident and comfortable with our recommendations.
Patient Comfort Is Our Priority
Before we begin your procedure, we use a strong local anesthetic to numb the tooth, so you don't feel any pain. Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, is perfect for taking the edge off your anxious feelings. We also offer oral and IV sedation if you prefer something stronger to help you relax.
All of our treatment rooms have TVs, headphones, and neck pillows for your comfort. If there is anything else we can do to improve your comfort, please don't hesitate to let us know!
When your procedure is finished, our dental team will review post-extraction care instructions to keep you comfortable and help you avoid complications. We are just a phone call away if you have questions or concerns during healing.
Tooth Replacement Options in the Treasure Valley
It can be helpful to have a plan to replace your missing tooth, so you don't spend any time worrying about the gap in your smile. As soon as you're ready, Dr. Daniel Dahle would be happy to explain all our tooth replacement options, including bridges, dental implants, dentures, and implant dentures.
If you have a tooth that concerns you and you think you might need to have it removed, please call Dahle Family Dentistry in Ontario, OR, to schedule an appointment. We are pleased to serve patients from all surrounding areas in Oregon and Idaho, including Fruitland, Vale, Nyssa, Payette, New Plymouth, and Weiser.
