Tooth Extractions
Medford, OR
 A tooth extraction is the full removal of a tooth. Most often this procedure is done after a tooth is damaged beyond repair or when it is poorly positioned. The process involves pulling the tooth entirely from its socket in the jawbone. A more commonly discussed extraction procedure involves the removal of the third molars, also known as your wisdom teeth. At Rogue Valley Dental Center, we can evaluate and then discuss treatment options with you concerning extraction and restoration with an orthodontic device or prosthetic device as needed.
Our team at Rogue Valley Dental Center is able to assist in many of our extraction procedures, and we are also prepared to discuss pre-treatment and post-treatment options. Larger extraction procedures, including the removal of wisdom teeth, are often referred to one of the excellent local oral surgeons that we have created relationships with.
Why Are Teeth Extracted?
It is always our goal to save and restore your natural tooth structure. Your natural teeth are part of a system in your mouth, and it’s best to not disturb that whenever possible. Sometimes, extraction is necessary. This is generally when a tooth has become:
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Severely Decayed: We will first try to save the tooth and rebuild it. Sometimes, the tooth has decayed to a point that there is not enough of the natural structure to attach a dental crown to. This is when we will recommend extraction and restoring the tooth in a different way, possibly with a dental bridge or dental implant.
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Periodontal disease leading to bone loss: Gum disease is a bacterial infection that attacks the soft and hard tissues in your mouth. When the bone has deteriorated from infection, there may be insufficient bone to hold a tooth in place. Restoration may include removing the tooth and rebuilding the area.
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Severely Fractured: To restore a broken tooth, there needs to be enough of the natural tooth to attach a crown. When there is insufficient tooth structure, we may recommend removing and rebuilding the tooth with a dental bridge or dental implant.
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Badly Positioned: Patients can have a tooth that is impacted, twisted, multiple of the same tooth, or other poor positioning. Following a consultation with an orthodontist, we may need to extract a tooth to improve the look or function of your mouth. This includes the extraction of wisdom teeth.
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Unwanted: Sometimes a baby tooth has not fallen out on its own and needs assistance. |
Extractions are often categorized into two procedures, non-surgical and surgical. We perform non-surgical extractions in our office. This means that the tooth is intact, fully erupted, and that we are able to use an elevator to lift the tooth out of its socket and forceps to grasp and pull the tooth. Surgical extractions are often referred to an oral surgeon. This means that the tooth is badly damaged, weakened, or impacted. Surgical extraction involves making small cuts in the tissue to retrieve the tooth.
Tooth Extraction Post-Operative Instructions
We will discuss care instructions and what to expect following your extraction. It is normal to experience small amounts of bleeding, oozing, soreness, or pain. Anything that seems elevated beyond normal should be discussed with our office or a medical professional immediately. You should always be cautious of symptoms of infection and seek medical help if concerned.
If you are experiencing discomfort following your tooth extraction, a mild analgesic like Tylenol, Advil, or Aleve may be appropriate. Contact our office or seek medical help if the pain seems out of the ordinary or lasts longer than the first few days.
While healing, it’s important to not disturb the extraction site. Do not suck through straws as it can dislodge the scab that has formed. We recommend eating a soft diet and to avoid vigorous rinsing for 24 hours following the extraction. We want the wounded area to heal.
After 24 hours, we then recommend rinsing with strong warm salt water for one minute a couple of times daily for three to four days. Salt water will reduce the level of bacteria in your mouth which can assist in reducing the development of infection and promote better healing.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Rogue Valley Dental Center at (541) 779-4517 and we will be happy to assist you with any tooth extraction needs.
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Rogue Valley Dental Center 
