Tooth Extractions | Best Billings, MT Dentist

Tooth Extraction in Billings, MT

Safe and Comfortable Removal of Teeth

Sometimes a tooth needs to be taken out, and that's where tooth extraction comes in. It's a common procedure where we remove a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. This can happen for various reasons like severe tooth decay, gum disease, an accident, or even just because your teeth are too crowded.

There are two main types of tooth extraction: simple and surgical. A simple extraction is when the tooth is visible above the gum line, and a surgical extraction is when the tooth is impacted or hasn't fully grown in. At our Billings, MT office, we do both kinds of extractions, and our dentists will ensure you're comfortable and safe throughout the process.

Common Reasons for a Tooth Extraction

Removal of wisdom teeth
Advanced periodontal disease
Broken or excessively damaged teeth
Crowded teeth in need of orthodontics
Teeth damaged by disease or bone loss
Replacing teeth with dental implants

Candidacy for Tooth Extraction

Our dentist works to save natural teeth whenever possible, such as with root canal treatments. However, Dr. Thomas may determine tooth extraction is necessary if a patient is experiencing:

Deep Dental Decay: Large cavities extending into the tooth’s pulp can put you at risk for infection and may require tooth removal.

Large Tooth Fracture: If a tooth has a crack that extends to the tip of the root, Dr. Thomas will likely extract and restore it.

Gum Disease: Periodontal (gum) disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, as it erodes the bone that supports the teeth. As the pockets around the roots become deeper, the teeth become more mobile, resulting in eventual tooth loss.

Overcrowded Teeth: Patients with overcrowded teeth may require extractions before orthodontic treatment can repair their smiles.
Increased Risk of Infection: If a particular tooth carries a high risk for infection, we may recommend extracting it proactively to preserve oral health.

Tooth Extraction Services

General Extractions

Also known as simple extractions, general extractions are ideal for teeth with large fractures or severe decay. Because these teeth are above the gum line, Dr. Thomas can easily extract the damaged tooth to prevent problems from spreading to adjacent teeth. He’ll administer a local anesthetic beforehand to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the process. After our dentist stitches up your gums and applies gauze, patients need to rest for around 48 to 72 hours to ensure proper healing.

Surgical Extractions

Surgical extractions are for impacted teeth that haven’t breached the gum line. As a result, extraction is a bit more complex. After numbing the area with a local anesthetic, Dr. Thomas will gently make an incision into your gums to access and remove the tooth. He’ll then apply stitches and gauze to begin the healing process. Patients need at least 72 hours of rest and recovery after surgical tooth removal.

Wisdom Tooth Extractions

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that usually erupt in a patient's late teens to early twenties. These teeth become impacted if there’s insufficient room for them to grow. When wisdom teeth grow sideways or fail to emerge, they can cause painful complications.

Our dentist in Billings can remove these with a surgical extraction. Wisdom tooth removal is similar to surgical tooth removal and involves the same procedure and healing times.

How the wisdom teeth extraction process works

Aftercare

Recovering from a tooth extraction requires proper care and maintenance to ensure a smooth and proper healing process. After the procedure, it’s vital to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your dentist, which may include taking over-the-counter pain medication as prescribed, avoiding smoking and drinking through straws, and keeping an ice pack on the affected area to reduce swelling.

It's also crucial to stick to soft foods and avoid anything that may dislodge the blood clot or cause irritation to the extraction site. Some good options include yogurt, applesauce, pudding, ice cream, and soup. It's also crucial to avoid anything hot, hard, crunchy, or sticky for at least 24 hours.

It's important to maintain good oral hygiene, this includes brushing and flossing gently around the extraction site, and rinsing with salt water as recommended. Avoiding smoking and avoiding alcohol is also crucial for the healing process. Regular follow-up appointments with your dentist are also essential to ensure the healing process is progressing as expected.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?

Is tooth extraction painful?

How much does a tooth extraction cost?

What can I eat after a tooth extraction?

After tooth extraction, it's important to stick to soft foods and avoid anything that may dislodge the blood clot or cause irritation to the extraction site. Some good options include yogurt, applesauce, pudding, ice cream, and soup. It's also important to avoid anything hot, hard, crunchy, or sticky for at least 24 hours. It's best to follow your dentist’s instructions regarding diet and eating habits after the extraction.

Say Goodbye to Tooth Pain: Schedule Your Tooth Extraction in Billings, MT Today!

Don't let tooth pain hold you back any longer! Schedule your tooth extraction in Billings, MT with our team for a comfortable and efficient experience. We use the latest techniques and equipment to ensure minimal discomfort during and after the procedure. Our team of dentists and hygienists will work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan that best suits your needs. Contact us now to book your appointment by calling (406) 298-4485 or by filling out our online contact form.

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Address

1501 14th St W #215,
Billings, MT 59102
New Patient (406) 298-4485
Current Patient (406) 256-5165