Tooth Extractions La Crosse
Making Problem Teeth Disappear
Dr. Saphner’s goal with every patient is to help them keep their natural teeth for as long as possible, but in some cases, a tooth can become so damaged or decayed that it’s beyond repair. In these cases, tooth extractions in La Crosse offer the most reliable and straightforward solution. Combining a light touch with optional sedation, we’re able to keep patients comfortable during this procedure while fully restoring their oral health.
Why Choose All Smiles Implants and Family Dental for Tooth Extractions?
- Same-Day Emergency Dental Treatment
- Multiple Sedation Dentistry Options
- Led by a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry
When Are Tooth Extractions Necessary?
Dr. Saphner may recommend removing a tooth if:
- The decay or trauma can’t be fixed with a filling or crown.
- An infection is about to spread to the nearby teeth, gums, or bone.
- A large filling is cracked or has developed fresh decay.
- More room is needed in the mouth for orthodontics.
- Gum disease has made the tooth loose and unstable.
The Tooth Extraction Process
There are two main types of tooth extractions—simple and surgical. A simple extraction involves removing a tooth that has fully erupted into the mouth. We simply numb the area and essentially wiggle it until it slips out on its own. Most patients can’t even tell the moment the tooth is out!
With a surgical extraction, some gum or bone tissue might need to be removed to create a pathway for the tooth to be extracted. This is often the case with the wisdom teeth that can become stuck and trapped from fully coming in.
Dr. Saphner can perform all types of extractions in-house, meaning patients don’t have to deal with referrals and can easily replace their missing teeth (if needed) while working with the same dentist and team they know and trust.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
To ensure that you have as smooth of a recovery as possible, it is important to follow Dr. Saphner’s aftercare instructions as closely as you can. These will provide everything you need to know about side effects, pain management, diet, activities, and even which habits and foods to avoid following your tooth extraction. If you have any questions about any of the information in the aftercare instructions, or if you are experiencing signs of complications or any other odd symptoms that aren’t mentioned, please contact us right away.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Does getting a tooth extracted hurt?
The good news is that before your tooth extraction in LaCrosse begins, Dr. Saphner will ensure you are comfortable by numbing your mouth. While you likely still will experience some discomfort and soreness after the numbing wears off, this will gradually subside over the coming days.
To lessen the severity and duration of any pain, be sure to follow the aftercare instructions provided by Dr. Saphner at your extraction appointment. If you find that your pain is getting worse instead of better after about three days, or if you are experiencing any weird symptoms that aren’t mentioned in the aftercare instructions, contact us right away.
Is there an alternative to a tooth extraction?
Although there are often alternatives to tooth extractions in LaCrosse when an oral health problem first arises, in most cases if Dr. Saphner has recommended removing the tooth, these are likely no longer viable options.
While it is always his preference to preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible, if they are too badly damaged or decayed, it may be safer to have them removed and replaced with a durable, lifelike restoration like dental implants, a dental bridge, or even dentures. Dr. Saphner will discuss your replacement options once your smile has healed and the condition of your oral health is sufficient to increase your odds for your chosen restoration’s success.
Can I leave the space empty after a tooth extraction?
This depends on the type of tooth you’re having extracted. For wisdom teeth, you absolutely can leave the space empty, because the removed tooth was likely to put the rest of your smile at risk for crowding and damage. For all other teeth, replacement is important. That’s because teeth aren’t just decorative- they serve important functions including providing you with the ability to enjoy a full diet, speak properly, and even prevent further tooth loss by delivering important stimulation to the jaw.
Thus, as soon as your mouth has healed, we recommend returning to see us to close any gaps in your arches with dental implants, a bridge, or a denture, depending on your preference.
What risks are involved with tooth extractions?
With nearly 55,000 teeth extracted each day here in the United States, it’s not a stretch to say that this procedure is very common, and very safe, too!
However, please be aware that as with any dental treatment, there are always some risks involved. For tooth extractions in LaCrosse, the main risk is infection, which if not treated promptly can spread throughout the mouth and body.
Another potential complication is a condition called dry socket, which occurs when the clot forming in your extraction site falls out prematurely, exposing the bone and slowing down your recovery time.
To reduce your risk of complications, please closely follow the aftercare instructions Dr. Saphner provides you at the time of your extraction and notify us immediately if you develop any signs of infection or other symptoms that aren’t listed.