Tooth Extractions – Leawood, KS
Tooth Extractions Can Improve Your Oral Health
We help our patients keep their natural teeth whenever possible. But, in some cases, tooth extractions in Leawood are necessary to help you move forward with a healthier smile. Dr. Dennis Ayer and our team have the experience and gentle touch that makes extractions easier than you expect. Your comfort comes first through every step of the process and we also offer sedation options to make the procedure stress-free. If you think you may need a tooth extraction, don’t hesitate to give our office a call so we can create a treatment plan that’s right for you!
Why Choose Dr. Dennis Ayer for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
There are many possible reasons to have a tooth removed. One of the most common is when a tooth has been so badly damaged by a large cavity or fracture that it can’t support a filling or dental crown.
By doing an extraction, we remove the damaged tooth before it causes additional problems and then discuss a replacement option to restore your smile. Here are some additional reasons you may need to have a tooth removed:
- Overcrowding (this is commonly done prior to orthodontic treatment)
- Wisdom teeth that are in danger of damaging other teeth
- Advanced gum disease that has caused the teeth to become loose
- As preparation for dentures
- A dental emergency where a tooth has been badly injured
The Basic Steps of the Procedure
There are two main types of extraction procedures: simple and surgical. As the name implies, a simple extraction is relatively straightforward is usually done when a tooth is in one full piece and has fully come through the gums (i.e. it’s not impacted).
After making sure the area is fully numb, Dr. Ayer will loosen the tooth and use a pair of forceps to grasp it and remove it from its socket. You won’t feel any pain, but you will feel some pressure as the tooth comes out.
We often recommend a surgical extraction for wisdom teeth or any teeth that are partially under the gums or broken in several pieces. For these procedures, many patients do well with our sedation options. Then, after the area is fully numbed, we make an incision in the gums to access the tooth. Once the tooth is removed, we’ll place stitches in the area to promote healing.
Lastly, we’ll discuss post-operative instructions for caring for the area and any pain medication that’s necessary.
Your Comfort Is Always a Priority
Dr. Ayer has performed countless dental extractions in Leawood over the years and has a friendly, reassuring chairside manner that makes our patients comfortable throughout the procedure. But we know that extractions can be intimidating for anyone, particularly our patients who experience dental fear or anxiety.
That’s why we make sedation dentistry available upon request. Nitrous oxide, also called “laughing gas,” is a wonderful way to feel calm and relaxed during your procedure, and you’ll be back to normal within a few minutes of being finished so you can drive yourself home.