What are the aftercare instructions?

After you have a tooth removed, there are some basic after instructions that you should follow. You should leave gauze on the open wound for about 2 hours to help control the bleeding and form a blood clot. For 24 hours, you should not exercise or do anything to raise your heart rate, not vigorously rinse your mouth out, and only consume soft food. You should avoid smoking or use a straw for about 3 days. To help with swelling, you should sleep with your head elevated and ice your cheeks for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day.

Do I have to have my wisdom teeth removed?

There are people who go their whole lives with their wisdom teeth intact. If they are not causing you problems, then they do not have to be removed. However, with many patients, wisdom teeth do cause issues and they should be removed. If they do not completely erupt, cause crowding to nearby teeth or remain completely hidden by the gums, your dentist will recommend having them removed.

What is the best way to replace an extracted tooth?

Most dentists will recommend replacing an extracted tooth with a dental implant-supported crown. Dental implants are the best solution because they will replace the tooth at the root. Replacing the missing tooth’s root will prevent bone loss which will help hold the natural shape of your face. Other replacement options like bridges or dentures will not do this.

TOOTH EXTRACTIONS

EXTRACTIONS

There are a variety of reasons why a patient may need a tooth extraction. In some cases, there is a genetic issue with tooth placement, and often it is necessary for dental health due to severe damage or decay. Once it is determined that saving the tooth with a root canal is not a viable option, our doctors can perform a tooth extraction in either our Richmond or Lawson, MO dentist office. Tooth extraction is one of the family dentistry services Kanning Dental provides to the public.

REPLACING AN EXTRACTED TOOTH

Most of the time (excluding wisdom teeth), an extracted tooth will need to be replaced. Your dentist will assess your dental health and discuss your personal goals and budget before recommending a suitable treatment option. Replacing your tooth/teeth quickly is important for your dental health.

Kanning Dental offers a range of tooth replacement options at Kanning Dental:

Dental implants: considered the best solution, especially for a single tooth, dental implants can provide a life-like tooth replacement for natural function and appearance
Dental bridge: when several teeth are being extracted, a dental bridge can be custom made to fill the gap with prosthetic teeth designed to blend with your smile

WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL

Almost considered a “rite of passage”, wisdom teeth removal is generally performed during the late teens and early twenties once the wisdom teeth have erupted or proven to be impacted. When possible, we will remove wisdom teeth in either our Lawson or Richmond office. However, if the teeth are impacted and a general anesthetic is appropriate he will refer you out to a local specialist for your dental care.

TOOTH EXTRACTIONS FAQS

What are the aftercare instructions?

After you have a tooth removed, there are some basic after instructions that you should follow. You should leave gauze on the open wound for about 2 hours to help control the bleeding and form a blood clot. For 24 hours, you should not exercise or do anything to raise your heart rate, not vigorously rinse your mouth out, and only consume soft food.

You should avoid smoking or use a straw for about 3 days. To help with swelling, you should sleep with your head elevated and ice your cheeks for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day.
Do I have to have my wisdom teeth removed?

There are people who go their whole lives with their wisdom teeth intact. If they are not causing you problems, then they do not have to be removed. However, with many patients, wisdom teeth do cause issues and they should be removed. If they do not completely erupt, cause crowding to nearby teeth or remain completely hidden by the gums, your dentist will recommend having them removed.
What is the best way to replace an extracted tooth?

Most dentists will recommend replacing an extracted tooth with a dental implant-supported crown. Dental implants are the best solution because they will replace the tooth at the root. Replacing the missing tooth’s root will prevent bone loss which will help hold the natural shape of your face. Other replacement options like bridges or dentures will not do this.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Kanning Dental welcomes new patients to our Lawson and Richmond offices. If you have been away from the dentist and are seeking compassionate, personalized care for your needs, look no further. Our dental care team works with anxious patients and can help you restore your oral health.

SCHEDULE NOW