Tooth Extraction in West Seattle
Tooth Extractions
No one wants to have a tooth extracted at the dentist but in some cases, it’s essential to protecting the well-being of your smile. If you’ve had a mouth injury, are undergoing orthodontic treatment, or have a severely infected tooth, pulling it might be necessary. The good news is that having a tooth extracted sounds worse than it is. At Junction Dental, Dr. Iversen and his trusted team can help make your dental extraction as smooth and comfortable as possible. Before scheduling your next appointment, here’s what you should know about having a tooth extracted.
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What is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is a dental procedure that involves removing a tooth. While most dental treatments are done in order to save or protect one’s natural tooth, keeping some teeth can jeopardize your oral health.
Why Would You Need to Get a Tooth Pulled?
Dr. Iversen could recommend that you have a tooth extracted for a number of reasons, such as:
- Trauma or injury
- Severe decay
- Problems with tooth eruption or development
- Poor positioning in the mouth
- Severe crowding
- Wisdom teeth
Can You Leave a Dead Tooth in Your Mouth?
Whether or not it’s considered safe to leave a “dead” tooth in your mouth depends on the condition of the tooth. When a tooth has had a complete root canal treatment, the nerve has been removed and disinfected leaving a non-vital tooth that can’t feel hot or cold. Sometimes this tooth is referred to as a “dead tooth” and is very compatible within your body, assuming all diseased tissue has been removed and root fractures don’t exist. In this case, it’s perfectly safe to leave the tooth in your mouth.
On the other hand, a diseased nerve inside of a tooth can also be called a “dead tooth.” In these cases, some type of treatment is needed, such as root canal or extraction, before the disease progresses and negative symptoms develop, such as swelling, pressure, and/or pain. An untreated, diseased tooth should not be left in the mouth without a treatment plan.
Is Tooth Removal Painful?
Usually, discomfort during a tooth extraction is very tolerable due to using adequate amounts of local anesthetic. However, if the tooth has an infection, this can counteract the effects of the anesthetic and more discomfort may be experienced. At Junction Dental, Dr. Iversen and his team provides sufficient anesthetic for extractions, as well as communicating throughout the procedure with our patients if they are feeling discomfort and work to eliminate it.
What Are the Side Effects of a Tooth Removal?
Having a tooth removed can lead to several side effects, including
- Shifting teeth
- Loss of chewing ability
- Loss of self-esteem and poor esthetics
The best way to manage these side effects is to talk to Dr. Iversen about an appropriate tooth replacement option, such as a dental bridge or implant.
What is the Recovery Time After a Tooth Removal?
After your tooth has been extracted, you can expect the discomfort to last for about 2-7 days. The extraction site will continue to fill in with a clot and slowly close over the next several weeks.
If you smoke after an extraction, your risk of developing a “dry socket” goes up significantly, which is when the healing clot is lost from the extraction site and exposes the bone in your jaw. This can lead to severe pain, usually around day 7, and can last for 1-2 weeks. If a dry socket occurs, we can apply a clove paste to help calm the site.
Tooth Extraction Cost
The cost of your tooth extraction will depend on your dental insurance plan. Please contact our West Seattle dentist for information about what your dental insurance covers.
Junction Dental: The Best Choice for Your Tooth Extraction in Seattle Washington
If you’ve experienced a dental injury, overcrowding, or severe decay, tooth extraction may be needed to restore your mouth to health. Fortunately, Dr. Iversen and his compassionate team are prepared to ensure your tooth extraction goes smoothly. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. We look forward to showing you how convenient and comfortable professional dental care can be!