Comfortable Tooth Extraction in Westminster, CO
As your dentist, it is our job to do everything we can to protect your oral health and preserve tooth structure for as long as possible. However, Dr. Jamie Marquez will recommend a tooth extraction in cases where tooth structure is so compromised that the only healthy option is to remove the tooth.
The thought of tooth extraction may be intimidating, but in reality, the procedure is nothing to fear. Our friendly team of professionals will always welcome you warmly and treat you like a member of our family. If an extraction is necessary, you will know you are being treated by people who understand your concerns and always put your needs first.
Reasons for Tooth Extraction
There are three typical causes of tooth loss: advanced dental decay (caries), periodontal disease, and trauma. If you aren’t sure whether or not you need an extraction, here are a few of the most common symptoms associated with a severely damaged tooth.
- Pain in a tooth or your jaw(of the tooth or jaw)
- Swelling
- Extreme tooth sensitivity
- Abscesses
- Crumbling teeth
- Tooth damaged by injury
When you know what symptoms to look for, you can promptly make an appointment at Arrow Dental so we can get you the help you need. The sooner you see us, the better chance we have of preventing further damage to your teeth.
The Extraction Process
We know how intimidating the procedure is for most people, but the procedure itself is relatively painless. The first step is for Dr. Marquez to examine your teeth and review your medical history so we can avoid any complications because of medications or other health conditions.
Since most people prefer some relaxation, we are pleased to offer safe and effective nitrous oxide conscious sedation. Nitrous is an odorless gas that’s mixed with oxygen and administered through a small nasal mask.
Just sit back and breathe normally, and in moments you will feel a pleasant calming effect and a secure sense of well-being. You will be conscious and able to respond to your dental team as needed, but you will feel detached from the activity around you.
When your procedure is finished, we allow you to breathe pure oxygen for a few minutes to refresh you. Since the effects of nitrous wear off quickly, you won’t feel groggy afterward, and you will be able to drive yourself home.
Post-Procedure Guidelines
We do recommend that you go home after your tooth extraction and take it easy. This will help avoid awkward interactions while your mouth is still numb and also allows you some privacy until any lingering bleeding stops.
Dr. Marquez will provide you with post-op instructions including placing gauze over the socket and biting down for 45 minutes to control bleeding. Avoid rinsing or spitting vigorously as this can dislodge the clot that is forming. You should avoid smoking or sucking on a straw for the same reason. You can brush but stay away from the teeth adjacent to the extraction site.
Please Call to Arrange an Appointment
If you have any of the symptoms listed above, please contact our Westminster office as soon as possible. If extraction is necessary, you can be sure that we will do everything in our power to ensure that the process is as efficient and comfortable as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wisdom teeth usually erupt during the late teens or early twenties. Anthropologists believe that our ancestors needed wisdom teeth for more chewing power when consuming the usual diet of foods like meat, nuts, roots, and leaves.
Of course, the availability of utensils and softer foods have made wisdom teeth unnecessary. One of the problems is that as we have evolved, our jaws have also become smaller and wisdom teeth often don’t have enough space to erupt properly. A smaller jaw leads to crooked, crowded, and even impacted wisdom teeth.
Since wisdom teeth are so far back in your mouth, they are also difficult to clean properly. A lack of proper hygiene leads to an increased risk for developing decay or gum disease.
If your wisdom teeth aren’t causing any significant complications, they do not necessarily need to be removed. However, since you don’t need these teeth, removing them may be in your best long-term interest.
We agree with the recommendation of the American Dental Association (ADA) to evaluate wisdom teeth between the ages of 16 and 19 to see if removal is needed. If you have a teen, please call our Westminster, CO to arrange an appointment. Removing wisdom teeth sooner rather than later can eliminate problems and give you peace of mind knowing they won’t cause problems in the future.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Jamie Marquez
Dr. Marquez is a Westminster native and is happy to be back in her hometown serving the dental needs of friends and family!
A graduate of Westminster HIgh School, Dr. Marquez then attended Seattle University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in General Science. She started her career in dentistry as a dental assistant for Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. During this period Dr. Marquez decided to commit herself to the practice of dentistry and attended Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry where she received her Doctor of Dental Medicine ...