Tooth Extractions in Fort Wayne, IN

Safe, Painless Tooth Extraction at Union Chapel Dentistry

Dealing with a damaged or infected tooth that requires extraction can be worrisome. The thought of having a tooth pulled sounds painful and intimidating. However, tooth extraction is a routine procedure that our skilled dentist performs safely and comfortably every day. 

At Union Chapel Dentistry in Fort Wayne, IN, Dr. David Painter and his experienced dental team understand your concerns. We use the latest techniques and dental technology to ensure your extraction is as quick, smooth, and pain-free as possible.

Call (260) 232-0280 to discuss tooth extraction and schedule your appointment at Union Chapel Dentistry.

What Is Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction, also known as dental extraction or exodontia, is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. This procedure can be categorized into two main types: simple extraction and surgical extraction.

Simple Extraction

Simple extractions are performed on visible teeth that our Fort Wayne dentist can easily access. This procedure is relatively straightforward and can be done with the patient under dental sedation. It involves loosening the tooth with a specialized instrument called an elevator and then using forceps to remove it.

Surgical Extraction

Surgical extractions are more complex and are required for impacted or broken teeth. In this case, the dentist or oral surgeon may need to make a small incision in the gum and may even need to remove the tooth in multiple pieces.

Why Do Teeth Need to Be Extracted?

There are several reasons why your dentist in Fort Wayne may recommend tooth extraction:

• Severe Tooth Decay or Infection: If a cavity has extensively damaged the tooth or an abscess is present, extraction may be necessary. Leaving infected teeth in the mouth can spread bacteria and cause further problems.
• Fractured or Broken Teeth: Teeth cracked extensively or broken below the gumline often cannot be repaired and need extraction.
• Orthodontic Treatment: Extracting teeth can prepare the mouth for braces by creating space for teeth alignment. Common extractions for orthodontia include wisdom teeth and first premolars.
• Impacted Teeth: Teeth blocked by other teeth or bone may need removal to prevent crowding and dental problems. The most commonly impacted teeth are wisdom teeth.
• Advanced Periodontal Disease: Teeth with severe gum disease that cannot be treated with deep cleanings may require extraction.
• Impacted or Stuck Teeth: When permanent teeth fail to erupt or “come in” due to lack of space, obstruction by another tooth, or abnormal position, extraction is often the best option. Impaction can lead to decay, damage to surrounding teeth, and cysts if left untreated.

Benefits of Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction, while often seen as a dental procedure of last resort, can offer several benefits when performed under the guidance of a skilled dentist like Dr. Painter. 

Here are some of the key benefits of tooth extraction:

• Pain Relief: One of the primary benefits of tooth extraction is pain relief. When a tooth is severely decayed, infected, or damaged, it can cause excruciating pain. Extracting the problematic tooth eliminates this source of pain, providing immediate relief.
• Prevention of Infection: Severely infected teeth can lead to oral infections that can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. By removing the infected tooth, the risk of further complications and systemic infection is greatly reduced.
• Orthodontic Treatment: In cases of severe overcrowding or misalignment of teeth, tooth extraction may be necessary to create space and facilitate orthodontic treatment. This can lead to improved overall oral health and a straighter smile.
• Preventing Tooth Decay Spread: Sometimes, a decayed tooth can’t be effectively treated with a dental filling or crown. In such cases, extraction can prevent the decay from spreading to neighboring teeth.
• Eliminating Impacted Teeth: Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, often become impacted due to a lack of space in the jaw. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and damage to nearby teeth. Extracting these teeth can prevent these issues.
• Improved Oral Health: Removing a severely damaged or infected tooth can contribute to overall oral health. It eliminates a source of infection and can improve the function of neighboring teeth.
• Preventing Gum Disease: Advanced gum disease can lead to tooth loss. In some cases, extracting a severely affected tooth can help stop the progression of gum disease and preserve the health of other teeth.

The Tooth Extraction Process at Union Chapel Dentistry

Initial Examination

Before the extraction, our Fort Wayne dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth. This may include X-rays to assess the tooth’s position, shape, and condition. X-rays help Dr. Painter determine the best approach for the extraction.

Anesthetic

A local anesthetic will numb the area around the tooth that needs extraction. The anesthetic ensures that you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. If multiple teeth are being extracted or it’s a surgical extraction, dental sedation may be used to make you more comfortable or to put you to sleep during the procedure.

Extraction

Once the area is numb and you’re comfortable, Dr. Painter will use specialized instruments to begin the extraction process. For a simple extraction, he’ll typically use an elevator to loosen the tooth and then forceps to remove it from its socket. For surgical extractions, our dentist may need to make a small incision in the gum and may even need to remove the tooth in multiple pieces, especially if it’s impacted or broken.

Stitches

After removing the tooth, Dr. Painter may place stitches to close the gum tissue. Not all extractions require stitches, and our Fort Wayne dentist will determine if they’re necessary based on the circumstances of your extraction.

Post-Extraction Care

Following the extraction, our dentist will provide detailed instructions for post-operative care. This is a crucial step to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. You may receive gauze to bite down on to help stop bleeding and help a blood clot form at the extraction site.

Recovery

After the extraction, you can expect some pain, swelling, and discomfort, which is normal. Dr. Painter may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs to reduce swelling. Follow our Fort Wayne dentist’s instructions on dietary restrictions and oral hygiene during recovery.

Follow-Up

Depending on the complexity of the extraction and your healing process, Dr. Painter may schedule a follow-up appointment at our Fort Wayne, IN, dental office to monitor your progress and remove any stitches if necessary.

Tooth Extraction Recovery Tips

Proper aftercare following your tooth extraction is vital for healing and preventing complications. Here are Dr. Painter’s recovery tips to follow:

• Take It Easy: Limit strenuous activity for at least 24 hours. Too much exertion can cause bleeding.
• Use Ice Packs: Apply an ice pack to your cheek near the extraction site for 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
• Take Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications can ease discomfort. Take as directed.
• Eat Soft Foods: Stick to liquids and soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, and smoothies for a few days. Avoid very hot or spicy foods.
• Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Gently brush and floss as usual to keep the area clean, but avoid the extraction socket at first.
• Avoid Certain Activities: Don’t smoke, drink through a straw, or rinse vigorously for 24 hours after the extraction. These actions can dislodge the blood clot.
• Watch For Complications: If you experience severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or fever, call your dentist right away.

Following post-op instructions carefully is key to quickly resolving any discomfort and allowing proper healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Save Your Smile With Tooth Extraction at Union Chapel Dentistry

While extracting a tooth is often necessary, it doesn’t need to be an ordeal to dread. Dr. Painter and his team know that excelling at tooth extractions involves not just precision and skill but also sensitivity and understanding. At Union Chapel Dentistry, these values guide us in providing the outstanding extraction experience you deserve.

Contact Union Chapel Dentistry today by calling (260) 232-0280. We’re happily taking new and returning patients from Fort Wayne and the surrounding areas, such as New Haven, Arcola, and Thurman, IN.