Tooth Extractions in Wyomissing, PA

While our highly experienced general dentists make every attempt to conserve and preserve your natural teeth, there are instances in which a tooth or teeth may have to be taken out. Tooth extractions may be the optimal treatment for damaged or decayed teeth that are beyond repair, teeth affected by advanced bone loss (gum disease), impacted wisdom teeth, and stubborn baby teeth, among other scenarios. Whatever the reason for needing a tooth extraction, our compassionate, experienced general and pediatric dentists at Grove Dental Group and Orthodontics will provide you and your family with the best possible care. Our Wyomissing and Reading, PA offices offer sedation techniques, including nitrous oxide and oral-conscious sedation, to help keep you or your children comfortable throughout treatment. Contact our team today to learn more about how tooth extractions may be the ideal option for improving your oral health.

If your tooth has been damaged or broken from decay, our team will make every effort to repair it using a crown or filling. We may even perform root canal therapy to save an infected tooth. However, in some cases, a tooth may be too damaged and may need to be removed to prevent the infection from spreading — and also to conserve the health of the rest of the teeth. Tooth extractions may also be needed to remove an impacted tooth or teeth that cannot erupt properly into the mouth. This often includes the third molars, popularly called wisdom teeth, which often begin the eruption process around the ages of 17 – 21. In older children, baby teeth that have not fallen out naturally might have to be taken out so they do not obstruct the permanent teeth. Extractions may also be recommended before beginning orthodontic treatment to make room to help facilitate the tooth alignment process. If you require the extraction of a functional tooth, our general and pediatric dental team can also discuss effective options for replacing missing teeth.

Extractions are performed in our office using local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth being treated. To further enhance comfort, a sedation technique might be administered to help minimize any dental anxiety. We may begin with a special device known as an elevator, which helps loosen and lift the tooth away from the bone. A pair of forceps will then be used to gently remove the tooth from the socket. In some cases, we may need to make small incisions in the gums to better access the tooth. If necessary, the tooth might be sectioned into smaller pieces so it can be removed more easily. Once the tooth is removed, a few sutures may be placed to protect the area as it heals.

Depending on the anesthesia used throughout your extraction, you may need to have a responsible adult drive you home. While your mouth heals, you should avoid smoking, using straws, and spitting. Your recovery will vary, depending on the complexity of your dental extraction; however, most patients choose to eat soft, room-temperature food for at least a few days after the extraction. Our clinical staff will talk to you regarding what to expect as you recover and how to care for your mouth as you heal. Over-the-counter pain medications and cold compresses can help you manage any discomfort in the first few days following your tooth extraction. In some cases, our dentists may provide a prescription for pain medicine and/or antibiotics, which should be taken as directed. In addition to any recommended follow-up visits, it is important to schedule appointments at Grove Dental Group and Orthodontics for dental checkups and cleanings so we can monitor your oral health following an extraction. Once you are fully healed, we can then move forward with replacing your extracted tooth, if necessary.

Depending on your individual plan, tooth extraction may be covered in part by dental insurance. Before your extraction visit, we will contact your insurance carrier to review your policy and estimate any out-of-pocket expenses. Grove Dental Group and Orthodontics is a provider for many major insurance plans and accepts a wide range of payment methods, including low-cost financing. Our team will work with you to help you choose the option that best meets your needs to help your family enjoy happy, healthy smiles.

What can I eat and drink after a tooth extraction?
After your tooth extraction, we suggest you stick to a liquid or soft-food diet. This should help minimize pain after your tooth removal. Once the initial soreness has faded, you can start adding in other foods. We also suggest you avoid using a straw during this period because it can pull out the stitches and cause bleeding.

Do tooth extractions hurt?
It's our goal at Grove Dental Group and Orthodontics to make your experience here as pleasant as possible. We offer a variety of sedation options and use the latest technologies and techniques to remove teeth, which should cause little to no discomfort.

How long will it take to recover from dental removal?
Recovering from a tooth removal, such as a wisdom tooth removal, could take anywhere from a few weeks to a month. We will be sure to send you home with detailed aftercare instructions to optimize your healing. During the healing process, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our office!

Our general dentists are proud to enhance the smiles of Wyomissing and Reading, PA patients with personalized, experienced care, even when it means removing a tooth. In some cases, extracting infected, damaged, impacted, or otherwise irreparable teeth is the ideal solution for bringing harmony to your health and smile. If you or a loved one has tooth extraction needs, schedule an adult or pediatric dental consultation at Grove Dental Group and Orthodontics today and learn more about our high commitment to patient care.