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Tooth Extractions

Tooth Extractions services offered in Indianapolis, IN

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Tooth Extractions services offered in Indianapolis, IN

A tooth extraction is sometimes the best way to relieve pain and protect your oral health. At Affordable Dental East in Indianapolis, Indiana, Ben Mohrman, DDS, does everything possible to save your tooth, but when damage or decay is too great, he recommends extraction. Call the office today or use the online tool to schedule your appointment if you think you might need a tooth extraction.

What is a tooth extraction?

A tooth that’s damaged or decayed and can’t be saved needs an extraction. 

Sometimes, Dr. Mohrman recommends an extraction when you have crowding or there isn’t room for teeth about to erupt, such as with wisdom teeth. 

An extraction relieves tooth pain, protects surrounding teeth from damage and decay, and restores your bite. 

How do you perform a tooth extraction?

Tooth extractions can be simple or surgical, depending on the state of the affected tooth. 


Simple extraction

A simple extraction is done on teeth that have broken through the gumline and have most of the visible structure exposed. 

After you’re placed under a local anesthetic, Dr. Mohrman uses a special dental tool called an elevator to gently loosen your tooth. The elevator helps him pull out the crown of the tooth through the root. 


Surgical extraction

If you have problematic teeth that haven’t yet broken through the gumline or that have broken off, a surgical extraction is needed. 

During a surgical extraction, Dr. Mohrman makes an incision in your gumline and removes the tooth. Sometimes, he must break the tooth into smaller sections to remove it. 

Why would I need a tooth extraction?

Dr. Mohrman does everything possible to save your tooth. But when a root canal, crown, or another procedure isn’t enough, extraction may be the best course. 

You may need an extraction when you have:

  • Impacted wisdom teeth
  • A tooth injured in an accident or fall
  • Severely decayed teeth
  • A tooth infection
  • Crowded teeth

Dr. Mohrman has a gentle, caring approach and understands that an extraction can be scary for patients. 

What is recovery like after a tooth extraction?

Once the extraction is complete, Dr. Mohrman packs your mouth with gauze to stop bleeding and help your body form a blood clot. Change the gauze every 45 minutes or so until the clot has formed. 

You’re given a prescription for pain medications and an antibiotic to discourage infection. Once 24 hours have passed since your extraction, you can brush and floss, but be careful to avoid the extraction site. 

The team at Affordable Dental East gives you comprehensive instructions on how to care for your extraction site as it heals. These include information about dietary restrictions and not using straws, which can dislodge the blood clot. 

Schedule an appointment to find out if you need an extraction or another dental treatment today. Call the office of Affordable Dental East or use this website to book online.