Tooth Extraction in Littleton: What to Expect Before, During and After
Written/reviewed by Arezoo Sotoodeh, DMD
Our goal is always to save your natural teeth. But sometimes a tooth is too damaged or infected to repair, and removing it is the healthiest choice. If you’ve been told you need a tooth pulled, or you think you might, here’s what to expect at Southwest Family Dentistry.
When Is a Tooth Extraction Needed?
- Severe decay that can’t be fixed with a filling, crown or root canal.
- A tooth that is cracked or split below the gum line.
- Advanced gum disease that has loosened the tooth.
- A wisdom tooth that is causing pain or problems.
In many cases, we can see you and remove a painful tooth at the same visit.
Before Your Extraction
We’ll start with an exam and digital X-rays (and 3D imaging when needed) to see the tooth, its roots and the surrounding bone. We’ll review your health history and medications and talk through your options, including how you’d like to replace the tooth afterward.
During the Procedure
We numb the area thoroughly so you feel pressure but not pain. For patients who feel nervous, we offer nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation to help you relax. Most simple extractions take less time than people expect.
After Your Extraction: Recovery Tips
- Bite gently on gauze for the time we recommend to help a blood clot form.
- Don’t use straws, smoke, or spit forcefully for the first few days. These can dislodge the clot and cause a painful condition called dry socket.
- Eat soft foods like yogurt, smoothies (with a spoon), eggs and soup.
- Use a cold compress on your cheek to reduce swelling.
- Take pain medicine as we’ve directed.
- Keep the area clean with gentle warm salt water rinses starting the next day.
Call us if you have bleeding that won’t stop, a fever, or pain that gets worse instead of better after a few days.
What About Wisdom Teeth?
We evaluate wisdom teeth and can remove many of them in our office. For deeply impacted or complex wisdom teeth, we may refer you to a trusted oral surgeon to make sure you get the best care.
Replacing a Missing Tooth
Replacing an extracted tooth helps prevent your other teeth from shifting and keeps your bite healthy. Options include a dental implant, a bridge, or a partial denture. We’ll help you choose what fits your needs and budget.
Southwest Family Dentistry 9200 W Cross Drive, Suite 300, Littleton, CO 80123
Call (303) 973-5859 or book online. New patients are welcome for emergency visits.
Frequently asked questions
We numb the area completely, so you should feel pressure but not pain. Some soreness afterward is normal and usually improves within a few days.
Often, yes. If an extraction is the right treatment, we can usually do it at your emergency visit.
Most people feel better within a few days. The gum continues to heal over the next few weeks.
Dry socket happens when the blood clot in the extraction site comes loose, causing increased pain a few days later. Avoiding straws, smoking and forceful spitting helps prevent it. Call us if you think you have it.
In most cases, yes. Replacing it with an implant, bridge or partial helps keep your other teeth from shifting.
Whatever Cleaning You Need, We’ve Got You
Anxious about a deep cleaning? Our No-Judgment Guarantee means gentle numbing, a clear explanation of every step, and zero lectures about how you got here.
Worried about cost without insurance? Our In-Office Dental Plan gives uninsured patients an affordable path to the periodontal care they need.
Ready to protect your smile? Schedule online or call our Littleton, CO office today.
Sources – Cleveland Clinic. (2023, April 20). Bleeding gums: Causes & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. clevelandclinic.org
Cleveland Clinic. (2023, April 20). Gingivitis: Symptoms & how to treat it. Cleveland Clinic. clevelandclinic.org
Mayo Clinic. (2023, February 24). Gingivitis – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. mayoclinic.org
Mayo Clinic. (2023, February 24). Periodontitis – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. mayoclinic.org
