At Fisher Dental in Omaha, Dr. Jake Fisher and our caring team understand that tooth extractions can seem intimidating. We’re committed to making this procedure as comfortable and stress-free as possible. A tooth extraction is sometimes necessary to protect your overall oral health and prevent more serious problems. With our gentle approach and advanced techniques, we ensure your comfort throughout the entire process. Our Omaha office provides a welcoming environment where your concerns are heard and addressed with compassion.
Why You Might Need a Tooth Extraction
There are several reasons why Dr. Fisher might recommend removing a tooth. Understanding these reasons can help you feel more confident about the procedure:
- Severe Decay or Damage: When a tooth is too damaged from decay or injury to be repaired with a filling or crown
- Advanced Gum Disease: If periodontal disease has caused loosening of teeth
- Dental Crowding: To create space for other teeth to align properly, often before orthodontic treatment
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth: When third molars are trapped beneath the gum line or growing at problematic angles
- Infection Risk: To prevent the spread of infection, especially for patients with compromised immune systems
- Baby Teeth That Won’t Fall Out: When primary teeth obstruct the growth of permanent teeth
At Fisher Dental, we always explore all possible options to save your natural teeth before recommending extraction. Dr. Fisher will thoroughly explain why extraction is necessary in your specific case and answer any questions you might have.
What to Expect During Your Tooth Extraction
Before the Procedure
When you visit our Omaha office for a tooth extraction, Dr. Fisher will first take detailed X-rays to examine the position of the tooth roots and the condition of the surrounding bone. We’ll review your medical history to ensure the procedure is safe for you. Dr. Fisher will explain the process step by step and address any concerns you might have.
During the Extraction
We’ll make sure you’re comfortable and administer local anesthetic to numb the area completely. For simple extractions, Dr. Fisher will gently loosen the tooth using special instruments called elevators, then remove it with dental forceps. For more complex cases or impacted wisdom teeth, a small incision in the gum tissue might be necessary to access the tooth. You might feel pressure during the procedure, but the anesthetic ensures you won’t feel pain. Once the tooth is removed, we place gauze over the socket to help a blood clot form.
After Your Procedure
Dr. Fisher will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing. We recommend that you rest for the remainder of the day and apply ice packs to reduce swelling. Take prescribed pain medications as directed by Dr. Fisher. It’s important to avoid using straws, smoking, or spitting forcefully as these actions can dislodge the blood clot. Eat soft foods for the first few days and gently rinse with warm salt water after 24 hours. Most patients return to their normal activities within a day or two after a simple extraction. Dr. Fisher and our team are always available to answer questions during your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Extractions
Is a tooth extraction painful?
No, you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure. We use effective local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. You may feel pressure and movement, but not pain. After the procedure, mild discomfort can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers.
How long does recovery take?
The initial healing period typically lasts about 1-2 weeks. Complete healing of the bone may take several months, but you’ll be able to resume normal activities much sooner.
What is dry socket and how can I prevent it?
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms after extraction gets dislodged or dissolves before healing is complete. This can be painful but is preventable by following our aftercare instructions, especially avoiding straws and smoking.
Will I need a replacement for my extracted tooth?
For most teeth (except wisdom teeth), Dr. Fisher will discuss replacement options such as implants, bridges, or partial dentures to maintain proper chewing function and prevent shifting of remaining teeth.
How do I know if something is wrong during recovery?
Contact our office immediately if you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, fever, or signs of infection after your extraction. While complications are rare, prompt attention is important.
Schedule Your Appointment
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or have been told you need an extraction, Dr. Jake Fisher and our team at Fisher Dental are here to help. We pride ourselves on providing gentle, effective dental care to our Omaha community.
Call our office today at 402-526-5091 to schedule your consultation or request an appointment with our online form. We offer flexible appointment times and will work with you to address your dental needs promptly. Your comfort and health are our top priorities at Fisher Dental.
Located in the heart of Omaha, Fisher Dental provides comprehensive dental care including extractions, preventive services, cosmetic procedures, and restorative treatments. Dr. Jake Fisher combines advanced techniques with a compassionate approach to ensure each patient receives the highest quality care in a comfortable environment.