Don’t Let Problem Teeth Steal Your Smile.
Losing a tooth as an adult can feel discouraging, but in many cases, removing a damaged or infected tooth is the key to relieving pain and preventing serious oral health issues. Left untreated, broken and decayed teeth can become serious infections that can put your health at risk.
If you have a tooth that’s beyond repair, our team at Oak Tree Dental can provide a safe and gentle tooth extraction in Sebastopol using modern techniques to ensure your comfort. We understand that having a tooth removed can be intimidating, but our compassionate team will be with you every step of the way.
How Do You Know If You Need a Tooth Extraction?
Extracting a damaged tooth can prevent more serious dental problems. You may need an extraction if you have:
- Severe decay that a filling or crown can’t restore
- Advanced gum disease causing loose teeth or infections
- A deeply infected tooth that root canal treatment can’t save
- Impacted wisdom teeth causing pain or shifting your bite
- A broken tooth that can’t be repaired
- Crowded teeth needing more space for orthodontic treatment
Whenever possible, we’ll explore all options to save your tooth. If a tooth extraction is necessary, we offer solutions like dental implants and bridges to restore your smile.
What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction
We understand that dental procedures can feel intimidating, but knowing what to expect can help you feel confident about your care. Here’s how we ensure a smooth and comfortable tooth extraction in Sebastopol.
First, whether your extraction was planned in advance or it’s part of an emergency dental visit, we’ll carefully evaluate your situation and determine the best course of action. Before we start, we’ll thoroughly numb the area to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
For a simple extraction, we’ll carefully loosen and remove the tooth. If you need a surgical extraction, such as for impacted or badly broken teeth that aren’t easily accessible, we’ll make a small incision in the gums to access the tooth. For complex extractions, we can connect you with an oral surgeon near you in the Sebastopol or Santa Rosa area to provide the care you need.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
Following proper aftercare helps speed up healing and prevent complications. We’ll provide detailed instructions depending on your specific situation, but here are a few general tips for recovering from a tooth extraction:
- Rest and avoid strenuous activities for the first 24 hours.
- Bite gently on gauze to control bleeding.
- Apply ice packs to minimize swelling.
- Eat soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup.
- Avoid straws, smoking, and alcohol to prevent complications like dry socket.
- Rinse with warm salt water after 24 hours (or as directed by our team).
Do You Need a Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Sebastopol?
Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that usually grow in around your late teens or early twenties. Unfortunately, most of us do not have enough room in the jawbone to accommodate this extra set of teeth, which can lead to serious problems.
In many cases, wisdom teeth become stuck in the bone and don’t erupt correctly, which can cause damage to the jawbone, hurt the roots of your other molars, and even lead to serious infections and chronic pain in the jaws or ears. Even if they do erupt, the added pressure from wisdom teeth can cause the other teeth to shift, leading to changes in your bite and crowding.
For these reasons, we commonly recommend removing wisdom teeth in the late teen years (for example, the summer before a child starts college is a great time in many cases). Even adults can benefit from wisdom tooth extractions, especially if these teeth are causing issues or become decayed and can’t be repaired properly.
Wisdom tooth extractions are frequently the first surgical procedure a person needs, so it’s important to find the right dentist to provide comfortable, compassionate care and make the process as smooth as possible.
Rebuilding Your Smile After an Extraction
Removing an unhealthy tooth is often just the first step toward restoring your oral health. However, missing teeth can lead to shifting, uneven bite pressure, and even further damage and tooth loss over time. That’s why we offer comprehensive tooth replacement options, including dental implants and bridges, to restore both function and aesthetics to your complete smile.
If you need a tooth extraction in Sebastopol, contact our team today. We’ll help you regain a healthy, confident smile with expert care and long-term solutions.
