Tooth Extractions in Farmington, UT

While our team makes every effort to conserve and maintain your natural teeth, there are situations in which extraction or removal is the best option for your oral health. At Oakridge Dental, we perform several different types of tooth extractions, including simple, surgical, and wisdom teeth removals:

• A simple extraction removes a tooth that's visible over the gums. This type of extraction is typically performed when a tooth has sustained a significant amount of damage or decay and cannot be repaired. However, sometimes simple extractions are done to make room for patients seeking an orthodontic service, such as Invisalign.
• A surgical extraction takes out a tooth that has yet to erupt beyond the gums. This technique is typically used on impacted teeth or wisdom teeth.

Our compassionate team in Farmington, UT treats every tooth extraction with a high degree of attention and care. Our office also offers a range of sedation methods (including nitrous oxide, IV sedation, and oral-conscious sedation) to keep you comfortable throughout your appointment. Family and cosmetic dentist Dr. Brian Call understands the importance of both a beautiful and healthy smile, and he will provide you with all of the information you need regarding your unique situation.

If your tooth has been broken or damaged from decay, Dr. Call and his team will make every effort to repair it with a bonding, crown, or filling. However, a tooth that is too severely damaged may need to be extracted to prevent any infection from spreading and to conserve the health of the remaining teeth. You could also require an extraction to remove a tooth that can't fit comfortably in your mouth. This situation most commonly applies to a patient's third molars (known as wisdom teeth) that come in at around age 17 – 21. In older children, infant teeth that have not fallen out naturally might have to get pulled to prevent obstruction to the permanent teeth. If you're getting orthodontics or contemplating Invisalign, you may require a simple extraction to make room for other teeth as they move into their correct positions.

Extractions are performed in our office with local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth being treated. Other forms of sedation might be used, depending on the extent of the extraction and to help keep you relaxed if you have any dental anxieties. As soon as you're ready, Dr. Call will begin the procedure. For a simple extraction, Dr. Call will loosen up the tooth using a special device known as an elevator before removal. A surgical extraction involves making incisions into your gums to get to the tooth. If needed, the tooth might be broken into smaller pieces so that it can be taken out. When the tooth is removed, Dr. Call will close the incision in the gums. He may give you a prescription for antibiotics to be taken before and after. This can be especially beneficial for those with a current infection, compromised immune systems, or other specific medical problems.

Depending on the anesthesia used during your extraction, you may need to have a friend or family member drive you home. While your gums heal, you should avoid using straws, spitting, and smoking. Your recovery process will vary heavily, depending on the nature of your tooth extraction. Afterward, most patients may want to eat soft, cool food for at least a couple of days. Dr. Call will go over what you can expect during your recovery and give you tips to help you look after your mouth. Since your mouth will be swollen after the procedure, we often recommend the use of cold compresses and over-the-counter pain medication. In some cases, Dr. Call may write you a written prescription for pain medicine or antibiotics. In addition to your post-op follow-up appointments, you should continue to schedule regular appointments at Oakridge Dental for dental examinations and cleanings so we can continue to monitor your oral wellness and ensure that your smile is healthy.

Patients with damaged or overcrowded teeth could benefit from having a tooth extraction at Oakridge Dental. To learn more about the options to preserve your oral health and improve your smile, get in touch with our office in Farmington, UT and schedule an appointment with family dentist Dr. Call.