TOOTH EXTRACTION

A tooth that has been broken or decayed may be fixed by filling or other dental treatment. But if it’s extremely damaged, it may have to be removed. Contact Dr. Jon Zoutendam for simple tooth extraction in Traverse City.

If the tooth can still be seen in the mouth, a simple tooth extraction can be done in the dental office. A surgical extraction is more complex; the tooth may have broken off at the gum or hasn’t erupted. An oral surgeon will make a small incision to extract this type of tooth (this is often the procedure for wisdom teeth).

When Dr. Jon extracts a tooth in Traverse City, he does his utmost to lessen discomfort by numbing the area first. There is usually a small amount of bleeding.

After care instructions generally include:

No smoking, mouth rinsing or drinking through a straw for the first 24 hours. These activities may loosen the clot and delay healing.

Dr. Jon will give his recommendations for pain medication. Ice bags may also help alleviate pain.

Brush and floss teeth as usual, but keep away from the extracted area

Eat soft, cool foods for the first few days

Swish the area with warm salt water starting 24 hours after extraction

A condition that occasionally occurs after tooth extraction is dry socket. If the extracted area is slow to heal, it can be very painful. In this case, Dr. Jon may need to see you on a daily basis to change a medicated dressing until the socket begins to heal. Pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen may be recommended, or a prescription for a pain reliever may be written.

At Dr. Jon Zoutendam’s office, our philosophy is to develop long-term patient relationships by providing predictable, quality dentistry in a warm, caring environment. We’re here to serve you and your family to ensure that the dental health of everyone you love is properly maintained.

If you have a tooth that needs attention, don’t delay! Call Dr. Jon Zoutendam for tooth extraction in Traverse City: 231-946- 6336.