Trusted Dentists Providing Tooth Extractions in Baton Rouge

Dental extractions are sometimes required to remove problematic teeth in order to prevent further damage to the gums or surrounding teeth.

Common reasons for a tooth extraction include:

• Damage or decay: if the amount of damage or decay makes the tooth unable to function properly, then it is best to have it removed and replaced with a dental prosthetic, such as a dental implant.
• Orthodontic treatment: if there are too many teeth, known as overcrowding, some teeth may be removed prior to orthodontic treatment to ensure the best results. When this is the case, the first premolars are generally removed.
• Impacted wisdom teeth: most wisdom teeth do not erupt properly, and they can cause damage to the bone, gums, nerves, blood vessels, and adjacent teeth. In these cases, they are usually removed before developing a complete root system.
• Baby teeth: in cases where the baby tooth is not in the correct position, it may be removed to prevent the permanent tooth from erupting improperly.

However, the only way to truly know if you need a tooth extraction is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cecilia Luong or Dr. Gina Nguyen of Elements Dental Spa – Baton Rouge Dentist & Aesthetics Spa, so they can thoroughly examine your mouth and take dental x-rays and develop a comprehensive treatment plan that may or may not require a tooth extraction.

How Do I Prepare for My Tooth Extraction?

If you are going to have a tooth extraction, you will need to discuss your medical history with our dentists. This includes listing any prescription medications, vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter medications that you are currently taking.

This also includes telling our dentists if you have any of the following: a congenital heart defect, diabetes, liver disease, thyroid disease, renal disease, hypertension, an artificial joint, damaged heart valves, adrenal disease, an impaired immune system, or a history of bacterial endocarditis.

On the day of surgery, you will want to dress comfortably in a loose-fitting t-shirt and closed-toed shoes. You should avoid wearing flip-flops. If you are a smoker, you will need to avoid smoking before and after the procedure.

Finally, if you have any cold symptoms, nausea, or vomiting, you will need to tell our dentists.

What Can I Expect When Having a Tooth Extracted?

When you undergo a tooth extraction procedure, your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic. If the dental extraction involves an impacted tooth, the tooth may be cut into pieces before it is removed.

Removing teeth usually falls into two basic categories: simple and surgical. Here’s what to expect from each:

• Simple– A simple tooth extraction usually involves the removal of a tooth without bone removal or removal of a very mobile tooth in the mouth.
• Surgical– A surgical extraction typically involves using an instrument to separate the tooth into sections before extracting, smoothing, or removing bone, and then cleaning out any “bad tissue” or infection that is left in the socket after the tooth is removed.

In most cases, we recommend placing bone grafting material in the socket along with a platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membrane to prevent bone loss in the area and ensure a good healing result.

In the case that you plan to restore this site with an implant, which is highly recommended, you will need to have bone grafting done.

Over-the-counter pain medication is typically sufficient for pain management after these procedures, and we will provide that to you at your appointment, along with detailed after-care instructions so that you leave feeling confident in your at-home care after an extraction.

What Is the Cost of a Tooth Extraction?

The cost of your tooth extraction depends upon the type of extraction and the type of sedation used. If you have dental insurance, you will usually be able to receive some level of partial coverage to offset the total cost.

If you do not have insurance, we do offer an annual membership in our office for $299, which includes 2 routine cleanings, 2 routine exams, a set of x-rays, plus 15% off of dental services.

What Types of Sedation Are Used for Tooth Extractions?

There are different types of sedation available: inhaled or oral sedation.

• Oral sedation uses a pill that is taken usually the night before and the morning of your procedure.
• Inhaled sedation uses nitrous oxide gas inhaled during the procedure.

Both oral and inhaled sedation will make you calm while allowing you to remain conscious.

What Should I Expect After My Tooth Extraction?

After your tooth extraction, you can expect to experience mild swelling, pain, and possible bleeding or bruising. To reduce your pain, and swelling, and to keep you comfortable, be sure to follow our detailed instructions for oral care, including the following tips:

• Apply an Ice/Hot Pack: You may also want to use ice/hot packs 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off to alleviate the swelling. For the first 48 hours after surgery, ice is recommended. After that, moist heat is recommended.
• Eat Soft Foods: Stick primarily to liquids until any anesthesia wears off, and then limit your diet to soft foods for the first few days after tooth extraction.
• Keep up with proper oral hygiene: Don’t brush the teeth immediately next to the area of tooth extraction on the first day after the procedure, but do brush the rest of your teeth. Two days after a tooth extraction, get back to a good oral care routine and brush gently around the extraction site.
• No Smoking or Vaping: If you smoke or vape, refrain from doing so for at least 5 days after your extraction procedure to ensure proper healing. Not doing so can cause complications and severe pain in the area.

Possible Complications of Tooth Extraction

Although complications are very rare with our advanced method of using PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) as the dressing on your extraction site, it is still possible for things to occur if you do not follow all of the after-care instructions given.

“Dry socket” is when a blood clot fails to form in the hole after pulling teeth, or if the blood clot breaks off too soon, the underlying bone is exposed, creating a dry socket. This can be very painful, and we recommend you call us right away if you think you have a dry socket.

A sore jaw is another potential side effect after extraction and is due to the mouth being open for a prolonged amount of time during the procedure. This typically wears off in 48 hours.

With any complications you may be having, we will guide you with the proper ways to relieve any pain and discomfort. We are also available after hours every day in case there are any post-procedural emergencies or questions you may have.

Contact Us to Schedule a Consultation

At Elements Dental Spa – Baton Rouge Dentist & Aesthetics Spa, you will experience an environment that will lower your anxieties and worries about having this procedure done. We feel confident that if you do need an extraction, we are the right office to handle that for you.

With highly trained experts and advanced dental technology, along with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, we can make this process as easy and painless as possible.

Give us a call today if you believe you need a tooth extracted or if you need any Emergency Dental Care!