Alleviate Discomfort With Oral Surgery & Extractions In Grand Ledge, Michigan

Sometimes your teeth simply can’t be repaired. Instead, they need to be removed. That’s where oral surgery and extractions come in.

Teeth need to be removed for a variety of reasons. Wisdom tooth removal is the most common kind of oral surgery because wisdom teeth are often impacted, crowded, or otherwise unable to come in safely. However, other teeth may need to be removed as well.

Excessive decay that can’t be repaired is one reason for extraction. Others include crowding, breakage, and infection. Sometimes those with serious illnesses need teeth removed in order to keep their mouth healthy overall.

Most tooth extractions are quick and relatively painless. You’ll receive local or general anesthesia. If your tooth is broken or below the surface of the gum, your dentist or oral surgeon will do a more complex oral surgery.

If you need a tooth extraction, your dentist will tell you how to prepare. The steps may include:

• An x-ray of the tooth
• Documentation of medication you take
• Advising your dentist of other illnesses or health conditions
• Not eating for a specific period of time before the procedure

If you’re feeling under the weather the day of the procedure, contact your dentist to see if you should reschedule. Also, make sure you don’t smoke or use tobacco before your extraction.

After the procedure, you may need to use an ice pack to reduce swelling and pain. You’ll also have gauze in your mouth for a few hours, and you’ll need to rest for at least 24 hours. You won’t be able to use a straw or smoke the day after your extraction, and you’ll need to eat soft foods for a few days.

Tooth extraction typically refers to the removal of a single tooth, often due to severe decay, damage, or overcrowding. It's a relatively straightforward procedure that can usually be performed by a general dentist. On the other hand, oral surgery encompasses a broader range of surgical procedures involving the mouth, jaw, and surrounding structures. This may include more complex extractions, such as impacted wisdom teeth removal, dental implant placement, bone grafting, and corrective jaw surgery. Oral surgery often requires specialized training and expertise beyond what a general dentist may possess.

At Grand Ledge Smiles, we understand that dental issues requiring oral surgery can be urgent and may cause discomfort or inconvenience. That's why we strive to accommodate our patients' needs as promptly as possible. Our scheduling team works diligently to minimize wait times and arrange appointments in a timely manner. However, the waiting list for oral surgery may vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the procedure, current patient volume, and scheduling availability. We encourage you to contact our office directly to discuss your specific needs and schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience.

Don’t let tooth extraction scare you. It’s a common procedure, and our dentists at Grand Ledge Smiles have the experience to make it as painless as possible. Contact us for more information today.