Tooth Extraction – Edison, NJ
Offering Comfortable and Effective Tooth Removal
Our Edison dental team does everything possible to remove the need for an extraction. After all, nothing is better than your natural tooth! However, there are situations where a tooth is so badly damaged or infected that it can actually put your neighboring teeth at risk. If this is the case, we will perform a tooth extraction. If your tooth is badly damaged or in pain, don’t put off scheduling an appointment; call our dental office today to learn more about this emergency dental treatment!
Why Choose Signature Smiles at Edison for Tooth Extractions?
- Strong Sedations Services Available for Nervous Patients
- Friendly, Family-Focused Atmosphere
- Dedicated to Seeing Emergency Cases the Same Day
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
While we do whatever we can to save your teeth, there are some cases where they are no longer viable inside the mouth. A tooth extraction may also be necessary if:
- Teeth need to be removed before a denture can properly fit
- There is a severe oral infection inside the tooth
- There are potential complications that can occur later in development, like with wisdom teeth
As always, Dr. Shah will review all of your treatment options at your appointment. He will also discuss the tooth-replacement options available and help you decide which one is ideal for you.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
We’ll make sure to administer local anesthetic prior to beginning the removal process. We’ll also provide you with sedation services if you need to reduce any nervousness or anxiety. Depending on where the tooth is located, we will need to create a small incision in your gum tissue in order to access the tooth (i.e., if the tooth is impacted and trapped underneath gum tissue or a neighboring tooth). To remove the tooth, we gently rock it back and forth using a dental elevator, then carefully pull it out using a pair of dental forceps.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Before you leave our Edison dental office, we will provide you with a list of aftercare instructions to help you heal comfortably and prevent complications, like a dry socket. A few examples include:
- Using a cold compress in 10-minute intervals
- Taking OTC pain medication as directed
- Eating only soft foods, like plain yogurt
- Keeping the area around the extraction site clean
- Avoiding strenuous activities, like lifting weights
- Refraining from drinking alcohol or smoking
If you have any questions for our team at Signature Smiles, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment! Once we know more about your dental needs, we can determine what your treatment options are, create your custom treatment plan, and answer any questions you have before beginning the process of restoring your healthy, pain-free smile.
Tooth Extractions FAQs
What Are My Options for Replacing a Missing Tooth?
After your tooth extraction in Edison, you can fill the new gap in your smile with a number of different replacement options, depending on your needs. We offer:
- Dentures and Partials – Dentures can restore an entire arch of missing teeth, or, with partial dentures, we can personalize the base to fit a variety of configurations. After both treatments, you’ll have a seamlessly restored smile.
- Dental Bridges – This option is best for patients with multiple teeth missing in a row. A bridge involves capping the natural teeth on either end of your gap with a crown (which helps support the restoration) and filling in the empty space with realistic replacement teeth.
- Dental implants – A modern breakthrough treatment with modern benefits! A dental implant replaces the dental root as well as the crown, fitting in your socket and anchoring to your jawbone for maximum stability and strength. There aren’t any diet limits with this option!
Rest assured, we’ll go over your tooth replacement possibilities in more detail, and help you figure out which option is best for you.
What Can I Do to Speed Up the Healing Time?
When it comes to the healing process, it’s best to take it slow and focus on relaxing. Trying to speed things up with unconventional remedies could end up prolonging your recovery instead! Do your best to be patient and follow Dr. Shah’s aftercare instructions. Be gentle around your treatment site, avoid activities and foods that could harm the socket, remember to use a cold compress and pain relievers, and your body will heal soon enough.
How Should I Prepare for My Tooth Extraction?
This is a great question! Preparing for your tooth extraction treatment can be just as vital as following your aftercare instructions.
Don’t hesitate to ask your Edison dentist about any questions you may have. Dr. Shah believes that there’s no such thing as a stupid question! We understand you might be nervous and making sure you have all the information you need will be reassuring. Our team will review the process with you as well, so don’t worry – you won’t be left guessing!
Dr. Shah may ask you to take a prescription medication before your extraction, or to only drink water in the hours leading up to it. We recommend setting a reminder on your phone for any pre-treatment instructions, just to be safe. Finally, it can be a good idea to arrange for transportation to and from our office, as you’ll likely be receiving a local or general anesthetic.
What Risks Are Involved with Tooth Extractions?
Modern tooth extractions are extremely safe. In most cases, patients simply have to take care not to dislodge the healthy blood cot formed to protect the newly empty socket (a condition known as “dry socket”). Dr. Shah’s aftercare instructions will help you avoid this painful complication.
A less common possibility is the risk of developing an infection. Protecting your blood clot and keeping up with oral hygiene will help mitigate this risk, but if you feel feverish, unwell, or notice other concerning symptoms like swollen gums or dark discoloration, call us immediately. We’ll check on your mouth to make sure everything is progressing smoothly and swiftly provide any necessary remedies.