Tooth Extractions in Richland, WA
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Preserving your natural teeth throughout your lifetime is one of the main goals of regular dental care. Many issues can be treated, and teeth can be repaired to maintain good oral health. However, there are some cases where a tooth is too damaged or decayed to be safely salvaged. The better option may be to remove the entire tooth and replace it with a dental implant, bridge, or denture.
At Tri-Cities Oral & Facial Surgery, we aim to make the tooth extraction process as simple and painless as possible, providing a relaxing environment, easily understood explanations, and sedation to optimize your comfort.
When is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?
There are many reasons why your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon for a tooth extraction. Typically, it is because other treatment options have been exhausted or would not be effective in preserving the tooth. Common reasons include:
- The tooth is severely decayed due to periodontal disease or excessive plaque or tartar buildup.
- The tooth is impacted and is fully beneath the gum or only partially erupted.
- The tooth is badly damaged or broken, possibly through a traumatic event or strong impact.
- There is significant pain due to an abscess that has formed around the tooth.
- The teeth are overcrowded, resulting in pain or preventing other teeth from erupting.
A Walkthrough of Our Process
The first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Smiley, who will review your dental and medical history, examine your teeth and gums, and take some x-rays or images if necessary. Using this information, he can develop a customized treatment plan to effectively remove the problematic tooth or teeth. He will also discuss your options for sedation to decide what type of anesthesia is most appropriate to keep you comfortable and pain-free.
During your consultation, it is a great time to ask any questions you may have about the tooth extraction procedure, what to expect, and what recovery is like. You can also express any concerns you may have so that Dr. Smiley can put your mind at ease.
On the day of the procedure, the anesthesia will be administered first. If it is a simple extraction, hand tools will be used to loosen the tooth. Then, dental forceps will grasp and remove the tooth from the socket. If it is a surgical extraction, Dr. Smiley will make an incision in the gum to expose the tooth and root, then remove it in either a single piece or in several smaller pieces. The site will be closed and packed with gauze to stop any bleeding and protect the empty socket.
Depending on whether it is a simple or surgical extraction and how many teeth are being removed, the whole process may take anywhere from 15 minutes to around an hour.
The Results
While tooth extraction may not be the most desirable option, it can provide significant pain relief and help you get on the path to restoring your smile. In many cases, immediate dental implant placement can be performed at the same time as tooth removal. Dr. Smiley works with you to create a treatment plan that fits your needs and goals while making the process as simple and stress-free as possible. Contact our Tri-Cities office at (509) 802-6026 to schedule a consultation.
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Tri-Cities Oral & Facial Surgery Dental Implants & Wisdom Teeth in Richland, WA
Richland | Pasco | Kennewick
Tri-Cities Oral & Facial Surgery is proud to serve patients throughout Richland, Pasco and Kennewick, WA and surrounding areas. We offer a wide range of oral surgery services including dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, tooth extractions, and bone grafting, as well as sedation options to enhance your safety and comfort. Centrally located near Pasco and Kennewick, WA, we are the convenient practice to visit for your wisdom teeth, dental implant and other oral surgery needs.