Tooth Extractions

Great Northwest Dental prioritizes preserving your natural teeth whenever possible. However, in some cases, tooth extraction is necessary to protect your oral health and prevent further complications. Whether you need a damaged, decayed, or impacted tooth removed, our experienced dental team provides gentle and comfortable tooth extractions for patients in Auburn, WA, and surrounding areas.

A tooth may need to be removed when it is beyond repair due to decay, infection, or damage. Some common reasons for extractions include:

• Severe Tooth Decay – When a cavity has damaged too much of the tooth structure and cannot be restored with a filling or crown.
• Advanced Gum Disease – Periodontal disease can weaken the bone supporting the teeth, leading to the need for removal.
• Impacted Wisdom Teeth – Wisdom teeth that don’t have enough space to emerge properly may cause pain, infection, or crowding.
• Broken or Fractured Teeth – If a tooth is severely damaged and cannot be repaired, extraction may be necessary.
• Overcrowding or Orthodontic Needs – Some patients require extractions before orthodontic treatment to create space for properly aligned teeth.
• Infections or Abscesses – Infected teeth that cannot be treated with a root canal may need to be removed to prevent the spread of infection.

For teeth that are visible and easily accessible, a simple extraction is performed using local anesthesia. The dentist loosens the tooth and carefully removes it with specialized instruments.

For impacted or severely damaged teeth, a surgical extraction may be required. This procedure is more complex and involves making a small incision in the gum to remove the tooth safely. Surgical extractions are commonly performed for wisdom teeth and teeth that have broken off at the gum line.

At Great Northwest Dental in Auburn, WA, we make the tooth extraction process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here’s what to expect:

Step 1: Numbing the Area

Local anesthesia is applied to ensure a pain-free procedure. For complex extractions, sedation options may be available.

Step 2: Tooth Removal

• Simple Extraction: The dentist gently loosens and removes the tooth.
• Surgical Extraction: If necessary, a small incision is made to remove the tooth in sections.

Step 3: Post-Extraction Care

After the extraction, the area is cleaned, and gauze is placed to help with healing. Stitches may be used if needed.

Proper care after an extraction helps promote healing and prevent complications. Follow these guidelines for a smooth recovery:

• Bite down on gauze for at least 30 minutes to control bleeding.
• Avoid smoking, using straws, or spitting forcefully for the first 24 hours to prevent dry socket.
• Apply an ice pack to the cheek in 10-minute intervals to reduce swelling.
• Eat soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes for the first few days.
• Keep the area clean by gently rinsing with warm salt water after 24 hours.
• Take prescribed pain relievers or over-the-counter medication as directed.

Wisdom teeth often cause issues such as crowding, pain, infection, or impaction, making extraction necessary. At Great Northwest Dental, we provide gentle and effective wisdom tooth removal to help prevent future dental problems. If you are experiencing jaw pain, swelling, or difficulty chewing, schedule a consultation to see if a wisdom tooth extraction is needed.

If you need a tooth removed, restoring your smile is important for both function and appearance. After healing, we offer several tooth replacement options:

• Dental Implants – A permanent, natural-looking solution for replacing missing teeth.
• Bridges – A fixed option to replace one or more missing teeth.
• Dentures – A removable solution for multiple missing teeth.

Our team will discuss your options to help you choose the best solution for your smile.

We believe that dental care should be accessible and affordable. We accept most major dental insurance plans and offer flexible payment options for those without coverage. Whether you need a simple extraction, surgical removal, or wisdom tooth extraction, we are committed to providing gentle, high-quality care for patients in Auburn and surrounding communities.

Call Us
(253)833-6033

Visit Us
1346 8th NE, STE 100
Auburn, WA 98002

Hours
Monday: 7am – 4pm
Tuesday: 7am – 5pm
Wednesday: 7am – 7pm
Thursday: 7am – 4:30pm
Friday: 7am – 2:30pm