Even though Dr. Kevin Boulard makes every effort to save your natural teeth, you may lose a tooth or two in your lifetime. At Something To Smile About, we offer simple and surgical extraction for a tooth removal. We have two types of extraction processes available at our office. We can manually remove a tooth with a simple extraction technique, which takes out a tooth that’s visible above the gum line. This is generally done for a tooth that is decayed or damaged beyond repair. A surgical extraction removes a tooth that hasn’t erupted above the gum line. Surgical extractions are commonly preferred to take out impacted teeth, like wisdom teeth, because these are molars that are not erupting properly — and causing you an array of dental problems. Whatever the reason for having an extraction at Something To Smile About, our team will treat you with the best care. Our Merrimack, NH dental office offers different sedation techniques like nitrous oxide and anxiety medication. We want you to remain calm and comfortable throughout your treatment. Get in touch with our staff to find out more or to schedule an assessment with Merrimack, NH dentist Dr. Kevin Boulard to enhance your oral health.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A TOOTH EXTRACTION?

Tooth extraction may be beneficial for a number of reasons, including:

  • Relief from pain: A severely decayed or damaged tooth can cause a great deal of pain. Extracting the tooth may reduce discomfort and allow you to feel comfortable again.
  • Prevention of infection: Infections can spread and cause serious health problems when not addressed right away. Tooth extraction can prevent an infection from developing or spreading.
  • Protection of neighboring teeth: Damaged teeth put unnecessary stress on the surrounding teeth, which causes them to become damaged or misaligned. Dr. Boulard can remove a damaged tooth to protect your other teeth.
  • To make room for dental appliances: If you are scheduled to have orthodontic work done, some teeth may need to be removed to make room for the braces or other appliances.

WHO NEEDS A TOOTH EXTRACTION?

If your tooth has been broken or damaged from decay, Dr. Boulard will make every attempt to fix it with a restorative. However, a tooth might be too damaged to save. A deteriorated tooth in this state will need to be extracted to prevent the decay from spreading — and to save the health of your remaining teeth.

You may need dental extractions for your wisdom teeth or any tooth that will not erupt from the gum line. The third molars, popularly called wisdom teeth, start to develop around age 17 – 21. In older kids, baby teeth that haven’t fallen out naturally may have to get extracted so that they do not block the eruption of their permanent teeth. We also remove teeth for patients getting orthodontic treatment like traditional metal braces or Invisalign.

DR. BOULARD’S TOOTH EXTRACTION TECHNIQUES

Extractions are performed in our office with local anesthesia to numb the area near the tooth being treated. Other kinds of sedation could be used at our Merrimack, NH office depending on the extent of the procedure and also to help keep you relaxed in case you have any dental anxieties. When you are ready, Dr. Boulard will start the extraction.

Simple tooth extraction
Because the tooth is visible above the gum line, Dr. Boulard will be able to loosen up the tooth with a special device known as an elevator. Once the tooth is loose, he should be able to pull it out with ease.

Surgical tooth extraction
Dr. Boulard will make an incision into your gums to access the tooth. If needed, the tooth may need to be broken up into smaller pieces to be removed. Once all of the pieces of the tooth are out, Dr. Boulard will suture the incision closed. Dr. Boulard may write a prescription for antibiotics to be taken prior to and following the extraction — in case you have an infection or a compromised immune system, or if you have some other special medical condition that slows healing.

TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF AFTER TOOTH EXTRACTION

Based on the anesthesia used during your extraction, you may need to have a responsible adult take you home. While your mouth heals, you need to avoid smoking, using straws, and spitting. Your recovery process will vary based on the complexity of your dental extraction, but many patients will want to eat soft, cool food for the first few days after the procedure. Dr. Boulard will speak with you regarding what to expect during your recovery and ways to take care of your mouth. Your gums will probably be inflamed after the procedure, so Dr. Boulard recommends over-the-counter pain medicine and cold compresses. Besides any follow-up visits, you should continue to schedule regular appointments at Something To Smile About in Merrimack, NH for dental cleanings and exams so Dr. Boulard can monitor your oral health after an extraction.

TOOTH EXTRACTIONS FAQ

How long can it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
Following a tooth extraction at Something To Smile About, it can take about 1 – 2 weeks for the area to fully heal. You could experience some slight sensitivity that will go away over time. If you have any questions or concerns after your tooth extraction, we encourage you to contact our facility.

Will I need antibiotics after a tooth extraction?
After a tooth extraction, antibiotics may be prescribed if a risk of an oral infection is present. Additionally, antibiotics may be needed if an infection occurs during the healing process. Our dentistry team at Something to Smile About in Merrimack, NH will provide you with all necessary aftercare instructions to ensure you heal properly.

What options are available for replacing an extracted tooth?
In order to replace your extracted tooth, a dental implant may be recommended. This offers a long-lasting solution to replace your missing tooth for restored appearance and functionality. During your initial consultation at our facility, Dr. Boulard and his team can talk with you about your various implant options.

WHEN THAT TOOTH HAS TO COME OUT

Whether you have a tooth that is damaged or if your mouth does not have room for another molar, a dental extraction at Something To Smile About can be very helpful. We assist in improving your oral health and smile by taking out your troublesome tooth (teeth). Make a consultation with Dr. Boulard at his dental office in Merrimack, NH in to find out more about simple and surgical tooth extractions. If you have dental worries or fears, ask about sedation methods to keep you relaxed and calm throughout the extraction process.