Tooth Extractions – Waverly, IA
Necessary Help for Troubled Smiles
At Smiley Family Dentistry, our team is dedicated to strengthening your natural smile as much as possible. In other words, removing teeth entirely is certainly not the first solution we turn to when things go wrong. In fact, when Dr. Jonathan Smiley recommends tooth extractions in Waverly, it is because we’ve considered every other treatment option and found that it is the only or best one that can meet your needs. You can keep reading to learn more about this emergency dental service, or you can schedule an appointment to speak with us directly.
Why Choose Smiley Family Dentistry for Tooth Extractions?
- Dental Implants and Other Replacement Options Available
- No Judgment, Just Respect and Kindness
- Dentist with Years of Expertise and Training
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
We may need to consider tooth extraction in the following scenarios:
- A severe infection can spread to other teeth or oral structures.
- Extensive damage (e.g., from injury or decay) doesn’t leave enough healthy tooth structure to support a dental crown.
- Advanced gum disease has caused teeth to become loose.
- Teeth are overcrowded, and more space is needed to complete orthodontic treatment.
- Baby teeth have not come out on their own as they should and are impeding the permanent teeth.
Depending on the reason for your tooth extraction, we can also discuss your tooth replacement options so that you don’t have to live without a complete smile for very long.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
At our appointment, we will guide you through the entire treatment process and make sure that you’re completely comfortable from beginning to end. Until then, we can provide you with an overview of the process, starting with numbing your mouth thoroughly to ensure you don’t feel any pain or discomfort. Once you’re ready to begin, Dr. Smiley will gently rock the tooth loose until it’s ready to be removed. Or, he will create a small incision in your gums in order to access and remove a tooth that’s trapped beneath the gumline. Then, he will tend to the extraction site and give you detailed instructions on what to do to recover smoothly from home.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
To prevent complications, like an infection developing, it’s important that you follow the aftercare instructions provided. A few examples include:
- Taking OTC pain medication as directed
- Using a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time
- Not running, lifting weights, or exercising
- Sticking to a liquid and soft foods diet
- Drinking lots of water to stay hydrated (don’t use a straw!)
- Brushing carefully around the extraction site
- Avoiding bad habits, like smoking
Want to learn more about tooth extractions – from the treatment process to the cost? If so, schedule an appointment with our Waverly dental team! We’d be happy to sit down with you to discuss if this emergency dental treatment is necessary, what to expect during the procedure, and more.