Tooth Extractions in Kansas City, MO
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Contact UsWhat Are Tooth Extractions?
While board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons Dr. Matthew Hlavacek and Dr. Jason Baker make every effort to save and keep your natural teeth, there are cases in which a tooth or teeth might need to be taken out. A simple extraction removes a tooth that is visible above the gums. This is normally used for a tooth that's damaged or decayed beyond repair. A surgical extraction removes a tooth that hasn't erupted above the gums. Surgical extractions are most commonly done to take out impacted teeth, like wisdom teeth, that do not have enough space to fit into your smile. Our Kansas City, MO office provides multiple sedation methods, like nitrous oxide and oral-conscious sedation, to help you remain comfortable and calm during your treatment. Contact Kansas City Surgical Arts for more information.
What Are the Benefits of Tooth Extractions?
In most cases, the point of dental treatment is to avoid the need to remove a tooth. However, there are certain cases when a tooth extraction at Kansas City Surgical Arts is the best way to preserve your overall oral health. Some of the benefits of tooth extraction include:
- Preventing damage and decay of healthy adjacent teeth
- Multiple implant options to replace beauty and function from the extracted tooth
- Relatively quick procedure that happens in our office
- Offering local anesthetic to numb the area and keep you as comfortable as possible
Who Are the Best Candidates for Tooth Extractions?
If your tooth has been broken or damaged from decay, Dr. Hlavacek can make every attempt to fix it with a crown, bonding, or filling. However, a tooth might be too damaged and will need to be extracted to prevent the decay from spreading — and to conserve the health of the remaining teeth. You could also require a dental extraction to remove teeth that can't fit in your mouth. This includes your third molars, popularly called wisdom teeth, which grow around the ages of 17 – 21. In older children, infant teeth that have not fallen out naturally might have to get pulled so they do not obstruct the permanent teeth. If you are getting orthodontics or considering Invisalign, you may need an extraction to make space for the remaining teeth as they move into their proper place.
How Are Tooth Extractions Performed?
Tooth extractions are performed in our office using local anesthesia on the area around the tooth being removed. Other kinds of sedation might be used, depending on the extent of the procedure and to help keep you relaxed if you have some dental anxieties. For a simple extraction, Dr. Hlavacek or Dr. Baker will loosen the tooth with a special device known as an elevator prior to removing the tooth. A surgical extraction entails making incisions into your gums to reach the tooth. If needed, the tooth may be broken up into smaller pieces so it can be taken out. Once the tooth is removed, we will close the incision in your gums.
What Can I Expect After Tooth Extraction?
After a tooth extraction, it’s common to experience swelling, tenderness, or mild bleeding for the first few days. Discomfort is typically manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter medication. A blood clot forms at the extraction site and plays an important role in healing, so protecting it is essential. Most people return to normal routines within a day or two, avoiding strenuous activity initially. Healing after tooth extraction progresses over several weeks. Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions to support proper recovery.
Tooth Extractions Reviews
Our son‘s wisdom teeth were removed from here overall we had a really great experience from the time that we scheduled until the post close call we received direct from Dr. Baker. The only suggestion is that they have an estimated cost prior to arrival.
I was experiencing quite a bit of pain from a wisdom tooth, and Dr. Baker and his staff were fantastic. From the front desk customer service to their bedside manner, I was extremely pleased with the care I received.
Dr Baker is the best for young, anxiety prone individuals who have a fear of all things surgery related. He did both of my kiddos wisdom teeth removal, with zero issues. He was very calm, caring and patient. He took the time to explain everything that would be happening beforehand. Highly recommend!
My son recently had a great experience with his wisdom teeth removal. Dr Baker was great and took the extra step to do a quick procedure needed for another tooth (after obtaining my permission and consulting with his orthodontist). Saved us from having to potentially go back another time. Very professional and approachable.
Dr. Baker maintains his empathy, kindness, and compassion, while providing his patients with the highest expertise and knowledge. I went in for wisdom teeth removal, and while there he ensured I was comfortable and outlined each step of the procedure in detail. He encouraged me to ask any questions so that I felt comfortable about my care. When it came time for the procedure, his staff was friendly, efficient, and caring while prepping me. Each person knew exactly what to do and everyone genuinely seemed to enjoy working with one another. Their genuine comfortability helped ease any nerves I had left and I drifted to sleep knowing I was well taken care of. The procedure was very smooth with no complications, and Dr. Baker did an excellent job. I was on my way home within 30-45 min. of when I came in. After the procedure, Dr. Baker went out of his way to call and check on me that evening. His dedication to his patients and his skill makes him one of the best surgeons around. I would recommend Dr. Baker and KC Surgical arts to anybody needing an oral procedure done. They are the best.
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Learn More About Kansas City Surgical Arts
About UsRemove a Comprised Tooth
When you have a tooth that's damaged or if your mouth doesn't have room for a new tooth, a tooth extraction may be needed. At Kansas City Surgical Arts, tooth extractions can help support your oral health. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Hlavacek or Dr. Baker in Kansas City, MO to find out more about simple and surgical extractions.
Tooth Extractions FAQs
What will I be able to eat after a tooth extraction?
Initially, plan to stick primarily to soft, cold or lukewarm foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies. As healing progresses, you can gradually reintroduce a normal diet, avoiding hard or crunchy foods until full healing is complete.
What options do I have for replacing my tooth after a tooth extraction?
Fortunately, patients today have more options than ever when it comes to replacing a tooth following tooth extraction, trauma, or otherwise losing a tooth - meaning patients can regain a complete smile and avoid compromising their appearance or dental function permanently. Depending on your specific needs, anatomy, and other factors, we may recommend dental implants or another treatment option for replacing an extracted tooth.
Why would a baby tooth need to be pulled?
Baby teeth may need extraction if they don't fall out naturally, impede the eruption of permanent teeth, or if there's decay or infection. Extraction helps maintain proper dental development and oral health.