Extractions

You and Lensch, Gelfond, Shaver, and Palmer may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.

To avoid these complications, in most cases, Lensch, Gelfond, Shaver, and Palmer will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth.

The Extraction Process

At the time of extraction the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jawbone and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic.

During the extraction process you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.

You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected.

If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away.

Sectioning a tooth

Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. The doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections then removes each section one at a time.

After Tooth Extraction

After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. Bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes immediately after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times to staunch the flow of blood.

After the blood clot forms it is important to not disturb or dislodge the clot. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities may dislodge or dissolve the clot and hinder the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours, as this increases blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.

After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.

Use pain medication as directed. Call our office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious, soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.

It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.

After a few days you should feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately.

Ankeny Family Dental Center

5 out of 5 stars based on 7 Extraction reviews

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I have been going to this dental practice for years and would highly recommend! The whole staff is great from the front desk, to the dental hygienist, to the dentist. A few months back I needed to have my 4 top front teeth pulled. Dr. Gelfond went over all the options and helped with my…

- Barb G

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

We always have the best experience at your office. Dr. Lensch and his staff are amazing!

- Emily M

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THE BEST DENTIST AND DENTAL OFFICE LOOK NO FURTHER...THIS OFFICE IS STATE OF THE ART WITH DOWN HOME SERVICE THEY ARE ALL FRIENDLY PUT YOUR DENTAL CARE FIRST AND FOREMOST!! DR GELFOND AND LEISHA HIS ASSISTANT ARE AMAZING...I MOVED TO ANKENY 4 YEARS AGO AND AM SO GLAD I FOUND…

- Gay A

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

We have ALWAYS been so happy with Ankeny Family Denistry! Dr. Lensch is one of the most caring, compassionate dentists I have ever met! I'm a "complicated" case and Dr. Lensch always goes above and beyond to take excellent care of me and my family! I would recommend their services to anyone of any age!

- Suzanne R

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I needed a molar to be extracted and a friend of ours recommended Ankeny Family Denistry. Dr. Genfold performed the extraction without any pain what so ever. He explained everything as he was doing the procedure and made me feel at ease through out the extraction.I highly recommend Dr. Genfold for all of your dental…

- Thomas M

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I would highly recommend this dental office for beautiful care by everyone throughout the office and complete information of what the dentist needed to do for my tooth. It's not very often I would suggest doctors but this dental office is of such high standard that I will gladly recommend them to family and friends.…

- Cathy M

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

My fear of dentists started as a child when I had a not-so-nice dentist. The day of my appointment I was crying before I walked though the doors. The two ladies at the front desk could not have been more pleasant. I was greeted by a smiling hygienist who took notice of my fears and…

- Jena A

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