Extraction in Gillette, WY
Dental extractions have been a basic component of dentistry since the dawn of time. Sometimes a tooth becomes too damaged or decayed to save, resulting in it needing to be removed in a sterile, professional environment.
At Mountain West Dental, we believe in restorative dentistry and will do everything possible to recover a damaged tooth. However, sometimes having an extraction is necessary to preserve optimal oral health and wellness.
WHAT IS AN EXTRACT ION?
A dental extraction is when a tooth needs to be physically removed from the mouth. It is colloquially known as “having a tooth pulled.” While it is possible for a child to need to have one of their baby teeth removed, the majority of extractions are performed on adults.
There can be several reasons why a patient needs an extraction. These range from physical trauma suffered to the mouth to severe dental infections caused by tooth decay. Whatever the case may be, we strive to be the greatest provider of comfortable dental extractions near you.
THE PROCESS
At Mountain West Dental, we keep the process simple and comfortable. The first step is a thorough exam and an x-ray by our dentist, who will determine which tooth and if there is a way to restore the damaged tooth. If restoration is not possible, then an extraction may be necessary and completed in the steps below:
- Numbing the tooth, surrounding bone, and gum tissue with a local anesthetic.
- Loosening the tooth with an instrument called an elevator.
- Removing the tooth by pulling it out.
- Cleaning the empty space left by the extracted tooth.
- Patients often bite on gauze to keep pressure on the extraction site and stop the bleeding.
This procedure can be simple or more complex depending on the tooth and the reason
for extraction. Wisdom teeth can also be a more involved procedure requiring a referral
to an oral surgeon.