Extractions
Trust Your Experienced Sioux City Dentist When Extractions Are Necessary
Dr. Dona Prince and her team work hard to help Sioux City patients keep their adult teeth for life. There are circumstances, though, when extractions are in the best interest of the patient’s oral health and overall wellness. Dr. Prince handles most extractions in house, so the inconvenience and expense of an outside referral is usually not necessary.
When Extraction Makes Sense
- A tooth that cannot be saved due to a large area of decay or trauma
- Breakage below the gum line
- Crowding that contributes to tooth decay and gum disease
- In preparation for orthodontic straightening
- Infection that could spread to other areas of the body. (Risk of infection is an especial concern for organ transplant patients or those on chemotherapy)
- A tooth that does not fully erupt through bone and gum tissue
- Advanced gum disease, which has destroyed connective tissue and bone
- Third molars (wisdom teeth) that may damage healthy teeth
What to Expect
Prior to your appointment, Dr. Prince talks with you about tooth replacement options to consider following extraction, to maintain your smile and oral health. The procedure then begins with thorough numbing. If you are nervous about the extraction or anesthetic injections, please ask about nitrous oxide sedation.
If the tooth is impacted, a small soft tissue incision allows Dr. Prince to remove bone covering the tooth. It is a common misperception that a tooth is “pulled.” Rather it is gripped with forceps and gently rocked to loosen it from bone and ligaments. A large tooth or one with deep roots may be cut into sections, since removal of smaller pieces reduces tissue trauma. Depending on the location and size of the tooth, a few sutures may be placed to promote clotting and healing.
You receive post-procedure instructions and soothing medications to facilitate fast recovery. Most patients return to work the next day. Once anesthesia has worn off, you can eat cool, soft foods, gradually progressing to a normal diet but chewing on the other side for a few days.
Dr. Prince and her Sioux City team are just a phone call away. For all your dental emergencies, don’t hesitate to give us a call and schedule an appointment. Reach out to our office by calling 712-274-2228 at your earliest convenience!