At Southside Dental Center, we are in the business of saving teeth, so recommending tooth extraction is never a decision we take lightly. However, in some cases it is the best course of action for the sake of your overall oral health.

The prospect of tooth extraction can be daunting, but you can trust our team to take great care of you and make the experience as stress-free as possible. Our dentists in Monticello, MN, have extensive experience and will handle your treatment with compassion and the utmost care.

Reasons for Tooth Extraction

Some situations where we would recommend tooth extraction include:

• Cracks or fractures of a tooth below the gum line
• Infection or abscess that cannot be treated with a root canal
• Loose teeth due to advanced gum disease
• Placement of full or partial denture placement
• Extensive, irreparable damage
• Tooth overcrowding
• Preparing for dentures or dental implants
• Problematic wisdom teeth

There are two types of extractions: simple and surgical. A simple extraction is one where the tooth is visible above the gumline; a surgical extraction is one where an incision is necessary is necessary to remove all or parts of the tooth. Some examples of situations requiring surgical extraction are impacted wisdom teeth and teeth broken off at the gumline.

We handle many simple extractions here at our Monticello dental office. If your needs are more complex, we may refer you to a trusted oral surgeon who is best equipped to ensure a safe, effective procedure.

What to Expect during and after Extraction

Before beginning your procedure, we will numb the treatment area with a strong local anesthetic. This ensures you won’t feel any pain. If you want a more relaxing experience, we offer nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas. Nitrous will help you remain calm during the procedure, and its effects wear off quickly afterward.

Proper care after tooth extraction is crucial to avoid complications. Our dental team will provide complete instructions, and it’s important to follow them precisely.

• Bite down gently on the provided gauze pad for 30–45 minutes to control bleeding and allow a blood clot to form in the socket.
• Use an ice pack on the outside of your cheek for 10-20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and pain.
• Continue brushing and flossing but avoid the extraction site.
• Limit physical activity for the first 24 hours post-extraction and keep your head elevated when lying down.
• Do not spit, use straws, or smoke for at least 24 hours to prevent disturbing the blood clot and developing a painful condition called dry socket.
• Eat soft foods such as yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and smoothies for the first few days.

If you suspect you need tooth extraction, we offer emergency dentistry and are here to help you. Please call our Monticello, MN, dental office promptly at (763) 295-5400 to speak with a helpful team member and schedule an appointment.