Tooth Extractions
Dentist Spokane, WA

Tooth extraction does not sound like a fun pair of words at all. The whole notion of extraction means we are taking something from you - which is usually a bad thing. Sometimes, it is actually better for you if we take your tooth out. If you’re not sure what we mean, the professionals here at Smile More Spokane Family Dentistry will have some information for you about why we extract teeth, and why tooth extraction may be better for you in the long run. Many times, you will feel better after your tooth has been extracted than you did before.

What Are Tooth Extractions?

It may be hard to imagine having your tooth removed. As dentists, we do everything we can to prevent having to extract a tooth. We encourage you to brush and floss daily. We ask to see you every six months for checkups, so we can keep your teeth and gums as healthy as we can. We also look for problems when you come in to see us. We give you tips and advice on how to practice good oral health and care for your teeth. There are still times that we have to extract or take your tooth out.

Why Do Tooth Extractions Happen?

There are several reasons why we might have to extract a tooth. Sometimes you could hurt your jaw from an accident or an injury. This could injure your teeth in addition to your jaw. While we can usually fix the crown of your tooth, if your tooth root becomes damaged, your tooth may die. Sometimes, we have to remove a dead tooth because it could become infected and cause damage or infection in your surrounding teeth.

There are also times your tooth may become infected due to tooth decay. Damage to your tooth from tooth decay can sneak up on you and damage your teeth before you know it. If you had a small cavity in your tooth, it can grow undiscovered for a while, especially if you missed a dental checkup or two. All of a sudden, your tooth might start hurting. By the time you work your way in to see us, your small cavity might not be so small anymore. We can try to repair the damage with a filling. We may try putting a crown on that tooth after a root canal. There are times when even our best magic can’t save your tooth. When that happens, we have to remove your tooth, so that we can save the other teeth in your mouth.

What Happens During a Tooth Extraction?

While the reasons we have to extract a tooth are long, the actual extraction itself is pretty simple. We make sure your mouth is totally numb. We then loosen your tooth root and remove your tooth. If you have an infection, we will prescribe you antibiotics as well, and we may give you other medication for pain. Many people feel better when the tooth is out because they aren’t in any more pain. Are you hurting from a tooth? We can help. Give Smile More Spokane Family Dentistry a call today at (509) 505-6303.