In order to place dental implants, we may need to extract a tooth due to severe decay, damage, gum disease, or other underlying issues. If you require a tooth extraction as part of the dental implant process, the Care Dental Implant & Cosmetic Center team can help.
Our Meridian, ID, implant office is equipped to perform surgical dental procedures, including any tooth extraction that may be needed. Whether you require a simple extraction or a surgical one, we can address your needs and get you prepared for the next stage of the dental implant process.
Understanding Tooth Extractions
As much as we wish we could, our team can’t save every tooth every time. There are times when teeth are too damaged or infected to be saved. That’s where a tooth extraction comes in.
You may need a tooth extraction before the placement of dental implants for the following reasons:
- Advanced gum disease leading to loosened teeth
- Tooth decay causing a weakening of the entire tooth structure
- Overcrowding that has limited space for an implant
- Tooth impaction
The Role Of Tooth Extraction In Preparing For Dental Implants
Having a tooth extracted before getting dental implants is relatively common. For dental implants to be successful, we need to have enough space, as well as a healthy jawbone. Gum disease or tooth decay can lead to tissue weakening and loss of bone, so it’s important that we remove teeth that are too loose or infected to be saved. The tooth extraction process can allow us to maintain the health of your jawbone and give your implant the best chance to thrive and last you a lifetime.
The Tooth Extraction Process
There are two ways we can extract a tooth. A simple tooth extraction can be done when we’re able to see the crown of the tooth. We loosen the tooth and remove it with forceps. A surgical extraction is needed when we can’t see the tooth, it’s impacted, or it needs to be removed in pieces. The procedure involves making a small incision in the gums to reach the tooth and removing some of the jawbone to access the tooth root.
Once the tooth structure has been removed entirely, we close up the gums using stitches and place gauze over the site to begin the clotting process.
With both extraction methods, we provide local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel any discomfort throughout the procedure. If you feel you may need more than local anesthesia, make sure to talk to your dental team prior to your procedure so we can discuss your options.
Aftercare Essentials
Recovering from a tooth extraction is generally a straightforward process, but there are certain things you should and shouldn’t do during your recovery period.
Do
- Stop the bleeding using gauze provided by our team
- Manage discomfort using medications we prescribe
- Minimize swelling with ice packs
- Eat foods that are soft and temperature neutral
- Maintain good oral hygiene
- Visit us for your follow-up appointment so we can monitor your healing
Don’t
- Disturb the blood clot
- Touch the extraction site with your finger or tongue
- Eat hot foods or drink hot beverages
- Drink through a straw
- Exercise vigorously
- Stop taking care of your teeth with good brushing and flossing routines
A Step Toward A Restored Smile
At Care Dental Implant & Cosmetic Center, we provide complete dental implant care. This includes preparation procedures, like tooth extractions, to ensure that your implant has the best chance of success. We want you to be proud of your smile as a result of your dental implants, so we work with you throughout the planning and treatment to make sure you’re feeling confident.
If you’re ready to learn more about your personalized dental implant treatment, contact us to schedule an appointment.
