EXTRACTIONS
Are You In Pain? We May Be Able To Help

If you're experiencing mouth pain in a specific tooth or teeth, there's a chance you may need an extraction. Don't wait to call!

Services

Extractions in Sedalia, MO

Do you need a tooth extraction in Sedalia?

At Tiger Family Dental, we do our best to save every one of your natural teeth because they all play an important role in your oral health. While it may not seem like a big deal to lose one tooth (especially if you can't see it), your teeth rely on each other for stability. When a tooth is missing, remaining teeth shift toward these convenient openings. This means bite alignment issues and even the potential for infection, tooth decay, and tooth loss.

That is why we never take dental extractions lightly and recommend them only as a last resort to protect your oral health. Of course, if a tooth is problematic, you may opt for extraction and then consider tooth replacement to restore your smile and your comfort.

If you have a problematic tooth, or if you would like to learn more about your options, contact our dental team to schedule an exam with your dentist in Sedalia, MO.

We also invite you to continue reading. The frequently asked questions below provide further information about the extraction process and your tooth replacement options.

When is a dental extraction necessary?
What is the tooth extraction process?
What about wisdom teeth?
Can I replace my extracted tooth?

When is a dental extraction necessary?

Sometimes, although saving a tooth is always our goal, you may have a condition that puts your other teeth and your overall health at risk.

In some cases, if you have a severe root infection or deep decay, you may opt for tooth extraction as well.

Reasons you may want or need a tooth extraction in Sedalia, MO includes:

  • A tooth broken at the gumline
  • A failed root canal treatment
  • Severe periodontal disease
  • Bone loss
  • A split tooth or irreparable fracture
  • Overcrowding and prior to orthodontics
  • To make way for full dentures
  • Symptomatic wisdom teeth
If you have one of these conditions and are not opting for full dentures, we will discuss tooth replacement options with you. This helps us plan to complete your smile once your procedure is finished.

In cases of infection and periodontal disease (an infection of the gums), we will need to address the underlying problem before moving forward with treatment.

Periodontal treatment may require special teeth cleanings and a unique cleaning schedule to bring your gums into better health.

At Tiger Family Dental, we want you to enjoy a healthy and functional smile, which is why we work hard to restore your teeth when a tooth is lost due to extraction or trauma.

What is the tooth extraction process?

We know the last thing you want to do is spend time in a dental chair having a tooth removed, so we will make it as painless as possible. Dr. Ehlers, your gentle dentist in Sedalia, always gently applies anesthetic and makes sure you are numb before beginning any procedure.

Once we remove your tooth, we will discuss how to take care of your extraction site so you can heal quickly.

While it is different for all people, some of the general advice we provide includes:

  • Avoid drinking through a straw or smoking - this can dislodge healing tissue.
  • Avoid chewing on your extraction site.
  • Keep the area clean. Be gentle!
  • Be sure to come to your follow-up appointment.
  • For any discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers should do the trick.
You may notice gentle pressure during your tooth extraction, but patients report that they do not feel pain. However, you may have mild soreness for a day or two following your tooth extraction. Typically, over-the-counter pain relievers can take care of this issue.

What about wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth come in years after your final adult teeth. They are located at the back of the mouth-four in all. Often, these teeth cause problems, but the good news is that you don't need them. They do not serve a purpose.

Not all wisdom teeth cause a problem, but some of them can put your oral health at risk. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are often removed to give patients relief and protect their oral health.

Common problems associated with problematic wisdom teeth include:

  • Overcrowding
  • Impaction
  • Severe decay
  • Gum infections (periodontal disease)
  • Pain and discomfort

If your wisdom teeth do not have enough room to erupt, they can be quite painful. They may even try to come through the gums and then recede or push against adjacent teeth. We can remove problematic wisdom teeth right here in our Sedalia, MO dental office.

Can I replace my extracted tooth?

At Tiger Family Dental, we offer tooth replacement solutions to restore your smile and bite function. We understand that tooth loss influences your diet, self-esteem, and function, which is why we offer a variety of replacement options.

Dental Bridge

As their name implies, dental bridges are fixtures that pass over empty spaces in the mouth caused by missing teeth and help restore function and appearance to your bite. Just as a structural bridge in a city provides a way for cars to travel from one point to another safely, dental bridges help teeth that are separated by gaps more effectively work together in your mouth. This is achieved by adding restorative teeth to the bridge.

There are several different types of dental bridges, and our Sedalia team can help you determine which style is right for you. Generally, dental bridges attach to the natural teeth on either side of the gap with crowns on top of the existing teeth. Your teeth are meant to work together when you chew, and when one or more teeth are missing, it can affect both your bite as well as your dental hygiene practices.

Bridges span the areas of your mouth where teeth are missing, which helps keep your teeth from shifting or moving around. In certain cases, dental bridges can provide a wonderful alternative to implants.

Dentures and Partials

Dentures and partials stand in for missing teeth. If you have full tooth loss, a full denture is a solution. If you have sporadic tooth loss, but strong remaining teeth, we recommend a partial denture.

A full denture fits via suction and the natural boney ridges of your gums. A partial denture, on the other hand, fits around your remaining teeth and uses restorative teeth-on the denture-to fill in the gaps. This solution also relies on clips to hold the restoration in place.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is a titanium screw that mimics the root of your tooth. It integrates with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Healing and proper integration can take several months, though we can restore some dental implants on the same day.

An abutment attaches to your dental implant post to provide a seat for your implant crown. The dental implant crown is the part of your dental implant people see when you smile. We design your dental implant crown to match your existing teeth, so the result looks natural and seamless. Dr. Jon takes great care in preserving your smile and making sure the final outcome looks and feels great.

We can also use dental implants to allow an existing denture to snap in place, keeping it stable while you eat, speak, and laugh. This is especially appreciated by patients who have difficulty with ill-fitting dentures due to bone loss.

Dental implants offer many health benefits, including bone retention, bite preservation, convenience in care, and a long-term solution to the problem of tooth loss. They allow you to eat all the same foods you can enjoy with your natural teeth, so you can maintain a healthy diet.

Do You Need a Dental Extraction in Sedalia?

Contact our Tiger Family Dental team, and we will find a time for you to come in for an evaluation with Dr. Jon to discuss your concerns and learn about the best options for you!

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Patient Testimonial - Sedalia, MO

Recently I lost one of my front teeth after nursing it for several years knowing it would be inevitable. My wife, Joy and I for most of our marriage, have wondered what it would be like for me to address improving my smile because I have always had very dark and stained teeth. With the lost tooth in hand, we decided to go for it. The results have been amazing to say the least. The quality of the work and materials used by Dr Ehlers and his staff is second to none! This practice at 10th and Winchester is an asset to this community for sure.

Joe Fluty

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What can I eat after a tooth extraction?
After successful tooth extraction, patients may feel residual pain and tenderness in the area where the tooth was.

It is important to follow a few instructions on what to avoid eating and what actions to avoid while the extraction site heals during the healing process.

While healing, it is recommended to avoid:
  • Eating sticky or crunchy foods that can get stuck or pull the clot out
  • Don't chew with the section of your mouth that is healing
  • Avoid spicy foods; they will irritate the healing clot
  • Avoid any sucking, such as with straws, as it can dislodge the clot
  • Food that is hard or requires a lot of biting or chewing can irritate the extraction site
As the patient's mouth heals from the procedure, their ability to eat normally will return. The time it takes to heal can be a few days to upward to two weeks. Listen to your mouth when it comes to chewing; if it hurts or causes discomfort, it's best to avoid that food or find a better way to eat it.

Stick to soft foods during the first few days of recovery is usually enough for most patients to transition to their regular diet.

Dental Extractions and Expert Care
Tiger Family Dental is the trusted dental office of Sedalia, MO. Contact us today to discuss your dental needs.
What is an extraction and why would I need one?
A tooth extraction means that your tooth will be completely pulled, all the way down to the root. Extraction is always a last resort treatment because even one missing tooth can cause instability with your healthy teeth. We never take tooth extraction lightly, but sometimes it is necessary to protect your oral health.

Some of the more common reasons for tooth extraction include the following:
  • A tooth that is too far gone because it is damaged by decay, and a filling, crown, or other treatment cannot repair it
  • A tooth that is broken near the gum line
  • A tooth that is very loose because of bone loss, which cannot be fixed with a bone graft
  • A baby tooth that never fell out and is potentially blocking the permanent tooth from coming in properly
  • A failed root canal
  • In preparation for orthodontic treatment
  • Wisdom teeth-the third molars in the back of the mouth-that are causing problems

Rest assured that if you do need dental extractions, your Sedalia, MO dentist Dr. Jon Ehlers provides experienced, compassionate care, so your procedure is comfortable. Dr. Jon will also give you instructions for proper aftercare to promote proper healing. Call us today to make an appointment for a consultation.