From time to time, a dental patient may need to have a tooth extracted. It may be because the tooth has been damaged beyond repair, or because it has decayed to the point that it is safer to remove the tooth. Sometimes, a person may have wisdom teeth or extra teeth coming in, or there may be other medical reasons that require an extraction.

What will happen if you need to have a tooth extracted? First, we may take an x-ray so we have a better understanding of your dental situation. We’ll give you a local anesthetic to help you feel more comfortable. After the procedure, Dr. James Kinsel will give you some specific instructions on what to do to make sure you stay healthy after the extraction. Some of those things may include not smoking, not using straws, gently rinsing your mouth with salt water, eating or not eating certain foods, and taking any medication prescribed by the doctor.

If you have a cold or a stuffy nose in the week before your extraction, or nausea of vomiting the night before, you should let the doctor know. It may be necessary to postpone the procedure until it is safe to give you anesthesia.

At Clearlake Dental in Clearlake, California, we want to make sure that you are well-informed about the extraction process, and what you need to do before and after the procedure. We’ll be happy to take some time with you discuss all aspects of your treatment. We want to make sure that we answer all your questions about tooth extraction or any other part of your dental care. To make an appointment for a procedure or for a consultation, call us today at 707-994-9414.