Renton, Washington
Oral Surgery
“Dr. Ford and his staff are professional and experienced, plus they go out of their way to make us feel comfortable and relaxed.”
-Wayne D.
Oral Surgery
Tooth Extractions
Good oral hygiene should always be practiced since the loss of a single tooth can have a major impact on your oral health and appearance. Although dentists will use every measure to prevent tooth loss, there are still some occasions when a tooth may need to be extracted. A tooth may need to be extracted if the following occurs:
Severe decay
Advanced periodontal disease
Infection or abscess
Orthodontic correction
Malpositioned teeth
Fractured teeth or roots
Impacted teeth
After careful examination and treatment, the dentist may advise having a tooth extracted. Before a tooth is removed, the dentist will take an x-ray to understand the shape and position of the tooth and surrounding bone. Based on the degree of difficulty, we may refer you to a specialist called an oral surgeon.
A certain amount of pain and discomfort is to be expected following an extraction, which can be minimized with a pain killer and ice packs applied to the face for 15 minutes at a time. After a routine extraction, discomfort should lessen within three days to two weeks. If you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or fever, call our
office immediately.
Wisdom
Tooth Extractions
Wisdom teeth are a valuable asset to the mouth when they are healthy and properly positioned. Often, however, problems develop that require their removal. When the jaw isn’t large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth, they can become impacted (unable to come in or misaligned). Wisdom teeth may grow sideways, emerge only part way through the gum or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.
A wisdom tooth extraction is a relatively routine procedure. The dentist will numb the area in your mouth with local anesthesia or use IV sedation so you are asleep during the procedure.
After the tooth (or teeth) is removed, you may be asked to bite down softly on a piece of gauze for 30 to 45 minutes after you leave the office, to limit any bleeding that may occur. Some pain and swelling may occur but it will normally go away after a few days; however, you should call your dentist if you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or fever.
“Dr. Ford, his assistants, hygienists, and office staff are all amazing! Very easy to communicate with them to set up cleanings and other appointments.”
– Michelle M.
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