ToothExtractions
About Tooth Extractions in New Orleans, LA
At MINT dentistry, our goal is to help you maintain the function and beauty of your natural teeth. In some instances, however, the best way to care for your smile is to remove a tooth that is beyond repair or that is threatening your dental health. Simple extractions are performed to take out a tooth that has erupted through the gum tissues. Surgical extractions remove teeth that have not fully emerged into the mouth or are more difficult to remove, such as the wisdom teeth. Whatever your reason is for needing a tooth extraction in New Orleans, LA, our highly trained staff at MINT dentistry will keep you feeling calm and well cared for. We offer sedation dentistry, including laughing gas and oral sedation, to help keep you relaxed throughout your procedure. To learn if an extraction might be right for you, get in touch with our dental team to schedule an appointment.
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When Is a Tooth Extraction Needed?
When teeth are broken or decayed, our MINT dentistry professionals will first determine if they can be repaired through restorative dentistry options, like a dental crown or filling. If a tooth is beyond repair and these options are not viable, tooth extraction might be recommended. Patients might also require an oral extraction to take out teeth that do not have enough room to grow in, such as the wisdom teeth, which typically emerge between 17 – 21 years old. In older children, baby teeth that have yet to come loose might need to be taken out to allow for the proper eruption of the underlying permanent teeth. If you're thinking about getting metal braces or Invisalign® orthodontics, we may recommend the removal of one or more teeth to create additional space and help facilitate the teeth straightening process.
How Is a Tooth Extraction Performed?
Dedicated to patient comfort, our MINT dentists are happy to offer effective sedation options when performing tooth extractions for New Orleans patients. The form of sedation we provide may vary according to the type of tooth removal procedure you need and the extent of any dental anxiety you may have. Before the procedure starts, we'll work to ensure you're relaxed and at ease. Once everything is in place, our team will begin the extraction. For a simple tooth extraction, one of our dentists will utilize special instruments to gently lift the tooth from its socket. Surgical extractions require that we make incisions in your gum tissues to reach the tooth. In some scenarios, the tooth may be separated into smaller fragments, rendering it simpler to extract. As soon as the affected teeth are extracted, we will suture the gum tissues closed.
Extraction Aftercare Recommendations
If you received sedation for your extraction procedure, you may need to arrange to be driven home by a friend or family member. Our team will provide you with aftercare guidelines to help facilitate your recovery process. While these instructions may vary based on the complexity of your extraction, you may be advised to eat soft, cool food for the first few days following the procedure. Your mouth might be swollen and feel uncomfortable after a tooth extraction so we encourage using cold compresses and over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by our MINT dentists. In some cases, we may write you a prescription for antibiotics or pain medication. Along with any follow-up visits, we encourage you to schedule biannual cleanings and checkups at MINT dentistry in New Orleans, LA so our team can help you care for the health of your smile.
The MINT Commitment
A number of dental insurance plans and providers offer coverage toward tooth extraction procedures. Sedation services, however, may not be a covered benefit. After your treatment consultation, we'll speak to your insurance company to confirm your coverage and estimate any remaining balance. If you don't have dental insurance, our team will explain the convenient payment options we accept or can help you apply for low-interest medical financing, which may help make your care more affordable.
Comprehensive Dental Care
Even when the best option for your oral health is to remove a tooth, our team is here to help you maintain a gorgeous smile. Tooth extractions may be necessary for treating severely damaged teeth and impacted wisdom teeth, among other dental conditions. If you're seeking a dentist who performs gentle tooth extractions in New Orleans, LA, please contact MINT dentistry today to schedule a treatment consultation.