TREATMENT

Tooth Extraction Procedures in Lincoln and Columbus, NE

There are many reasons a patient may need to have a tooth extracted, including decay, trauma and/or disease. Even though permanent teeth are built to last a lifetime, that is not always the case. Extracting a tooth or teeth is a very common procedure that our doctors perform every single day. For the comfort of the patient, our doctors recommend IV sedation. Read below about why teeth may need to be extracted and tips to help for a speedy and safe recovery.


Reasons For Tooth Removal

  • Periodontal Disease

    Some patients may develop a serious gum condition if wisdom teeth are not removed. Periodontal disease damages the gums and can destroy the jawbone. Bacteria may then spread and infect more teeth.

  • Infection

    Bacteria can collect in difficult to clean areas that may cause infection.

  • Pain

    Pain is the most common symptom when wisdom teeth begin to erupt.

  • Decay

    Wisdom teeth can cause decay or resorption of neighboring teeth.

  • Sinus Issues

    Eruption of some teeth may cause sinus pain, pressure and congestion.

  • Impaction

    Impacted teeth do not have the potential to erupt so you cannot use them to chew.

  • Crowding

    If there is not enough space in your mouth for all of your teeth to comfortably fit, the permanent teeth may shift, undoing the effects of braces.

  • Cysts and/or Tumors

    A fluid-filled cyst or tumor may form around untreated wisdom teeth. This can lead to more serious problems as it hollows out the jaw and damages surrounding nerves, teeth and other structures.

Having a tooth extraction done can be critical to your oral health. Problems such as infection, sinus issues, impaction and decay can all lead to long-term oral health complications. Not only can infections affect your mouth, they have the ability to spread and cause other health problems. Failing to have a tooth extraction completed can result in the problem tooth causing other adjacent teeth to decay — further impacting your oral health. You may also experience other issues that damage nerves, the jawbone and other structures. What’s more, problem teeth can leave you experiencing a significant amount of pain.

It’s essential to have a tooth removal taken care of as quickly as possible. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of developing other health problems. While many people fear tooth removal, an extraction is easy to manage as long as you have it completed in a timely manner. Waiting will only make an extraction more difficult and could result in more serious problems. If you think you need a tooth removed, contact us today to set up your extraction and we will be happy to get you in as soon as possible.


What To Expect

Length of Procedure

The length of your procedure will depend on how many teeth you need extracted, the degree of impaction, curvature of root and level of infection. Tooth extraction procedures typically take 30 to 60 minutes. You can expect to be in our office 1.5 to 2 hours which accounts for consultation, procedure and in-office recovery time. Tell your doctor about any and all prescriptions you are taking before the procedure.

IV Sedation

You are in a twilight sleep. You are asleep, but still breathing on your own and able to respond to commands. You will not feel pain or remember anything from your procedure, including tastes, smells and sounds. We have registered nurses on staff before, during and after your procedure to ensure you receive the best care.

If you have any questions regarding IV sedation, visit our IV Sedation page or call our office at 402.327.9400, where one of our registered nurses, surgical assistants, doctors or supporting staff is happy to help.

Before Your Appointment


Tips For A Speedy Recovery

 

Recovery Instructions

  • After your procedure, a nurse will take you to one of our state-of-the-art recovery rooms. Our rooms are equipped with high-tech monitoring to ensure your safety.
  • We will inform your driver when you are in recovery and show him or her to your room to go over recovery instructions.
  • Your nurse will stay to answer any other questions you may have before leaving our office and will send printed recovery instructions home with you for your convenience.
  • When you get home, we recommend a lot of rest, icing and to begin taking your pain medication before existing numbness wears off.
  • We will send you home with a recovery kit that includes extra gauze and gloves for bleeding.
  • Slight to severe tingling of the lip, chin and tongue is normal and will be temporary.
  • Take off work/school the day of your procedure, as well as the following day. You may want to take off more days depending on how you feel.
  • After your procedure, enjoy a cup of gourmet ice cream on us!

 

Recover with Ease

 

Your procedure is over, now what? Watch as we review everything the nurses covered in your post-op recovery. This video is full of basic recovery instructions and tips to help avoid dry sockets and infection.


 


How To Avoid Dry Sockets

  • Avoid touching the wound at all costs, other than changing gauze.

  • No smoking for at least 72 hours after tooth removal. We recommend permanent smoking cessation.

  • Do not eat foods that leave residual particles in your mouth for four days after your procedure. e.g. popcorn, peanuts, rice and pretzels

  • Eat soft foods, such as clear soup, mashed potatoes and pudding.

  • Avoid carbonated drinks.

  • Tell your doctor about any and all prescriptions you are taking before the procedure.

  • Do not drink through a straw or suck on hard candies for one week.

  • No vigorous sports or heavy lifting for 5 days.

  • No jogging or playing of musical wind instruments for 4 days.


We're Here To Help

Whether you have questions about a tooth extraction or any other procedure, we're here to help. 

Give us a call at 402.327.9400 where our specialists are happy to help you.

Did You Know?

Putting ice packs on your face the first 36-48 hours after a tooth extraction is crucial and will help reduce swelling after your procedure.


Recovery Resources
WATCH: RECOVERY INSTRUCTIONS

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