Tooth Extraction
It can be difficult to hear the news that your dentist needs to remove a tooth. Nobody wants to lose a tooth too soon, and you may worry if the procedure will hurt and wonder what to do about tooth replacement.
If you need a tooth removed, you couldn’t be in better hands than you are with Dr. Randall Jaurequi and the team at Hawaiian Island Dental. We understand that you have concerns, but you can be confident that we will make your procedure a comfortable, stress-free experience. In addition to a gentle, experienced dentist and caring dental team to soothe your anxiety, we also offer the soothing effects of nitrous oxide or laughing gas.
Why We Recommend Tooth Extraction
Our goal is to save teeth, so Dr. Jaurequi only performs an extraction when a tooth is so decayed, infected, or damaged that it is beyond saving.
Several reasons why our dentist might recommend tooth extraction are:
- A cavity involves too much tooth structure to save with a filling or crown.
- An abscessed or infected tooth is past the point where we can save with a root canal.
- A tooth has broken off below the gumline, and our only option is to remove it.
- A wisdom tooth has only partially erupted or is crowding surrounding teeth.
Before he plans your procedure, Dr. Jaurequi will show you digital x-rays and scans to show you what’s happening with the tooth. He’ll explain how removing the tooth will benefit your long-term oral health and answer any questions you have about the procedure.
He will also be happy to talk to you about tooth replacement options like bridges, partial dentures, and dental implants.
Caring for the Extraction Site at Home
After your tooth extraction, we will provide you with instructions for at-home care. We encourage you to plan to take the rest of the day off after your procedure to give your body time to heal and recover.
You can speed the healing process and avoid complications by following these steps:
- Hold the gauze pad we provide in place for about an hour after your procedure, then replace it. Use a cold compress at 20-minute intervals to help reduce swelling.
- Follow a soft-food diet for the first day or two after your extraction.
- Don’t drink through a straw or smoke, as both can disturb the protective clot forming over the extraction site. If the clot is dislodged, it can lead to a painful condition called dry socket.
- Take over-the-counter or prescription medications to keep you comfortable through the healing process.
Do You Need a Tooth Extraction?
Dr. Jaurequi is an experienced dentist who has been serving his friends and neighbors in Lihue for the past 25 years. If you need to have a tooth removed, you couldn’t find a more caring dental team than ours. If you are in pain, we also perform emergency tooth extractions if necessary and will provide the prompt treatment and relief you need.
