Tooth Extractions Fort Collins
At our Fort Collins dentistry, we make every effort to retain and protect your natural tooth. If possible, your dentist will attempt to preserve the tooth with a dental crown or a root canal as opposed to having the tooth removed.
However, circumstances do arise where your tooth is diseased or damaged to such a great extent that it can no longer be preserved. In these instances, tooth extraction may become necessary for a patient.
Tooth extractions are a common emergency dental procedure that can be used to treat a variety of dental issues. If after an exam, our dentist determines that an extraction is necessary, you will be presented with extraction and tooth replacement options.
There are different types of tooth extraction procedures – each presented below.
Simple Tooth Extraction
Simple tooth extraction is the most common type of tooth extraction. This procedure is used to remove teeth that are visible in the mouth. Your dentist will numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic and then use dental tools to loosen and remove the tooth.
The entire process takes under an hour – usually closer to 30 minutes. Recovery time is relatively quick as a simple tooth extraction doesn’t require surgery.
Surgical Tooth Extraction (Complicated tooth Extraction)
Surgical tooth extraction is used to remove impacted,embedded or more difficult teeth. This procedure is performed in our dental office in Fort Collins. Patients will have the option for one of our sedation options (oral,iv conscious sedation and nitrous oxide) in order to be comfortable during the procedure.
The surgical tooth extraction process involves our dentist making an incision in the gum tissue and removing any bone that is blocking the tooth from coming out. The dental tools are then used to remove the tooth.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt in the mouth, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. They are located in the back of the mouth, behind the second molars. Third molar extractions are commonly performed to prevent dental problems such as crowding, dental decay, and gum disease.
Please see our wisdom tooth extraction page for more information
Full Mouth Extraction
A full mouth extraction is a procedure in which all of the teeth in the upper and lower dental arches are removed. This is usually done when a patient has extensive tooth decay, advanced gum disease, or other dental issues requiring all teeth to be removed.
Emergency Tooth Extraction
Our Fort Collins office is able to perform emergency tooth extractions on very short notice. An emergency tooth extraction may be required in a variety of cases including:
- A dental abscess (a pus-filled infection) becomes swollen and painful. In these cases, the infection has spread to the surrounding bone and tissue.
- Patients who have had a dental injury and are in severe pain
- Large cracks that can’t be repaired
We provide emergency tooth extractions for both children and adults.
Bone Grafting After Tooth Extraction
Bone grafting after a tooth extraction involves the placement of bone tissue in the socket of the extracted tooth to replace the lost bone. A bone graft can be used to anchor dental implants should you choose to replace your tooth in the future. Even if you’re not getting dental implants, a bone graft can help to prevent deterioration of the jawbone and stop the development of a “sunken in” look that can actually alter someone’s facial appearance.
Post Extraction Tooth Replacement Options
The removal of a tooth can create problems for surrounding teeth. Teeth may shift and bone loss can occur when a tooth is not replaced. There are a few tooth replacement options available to patients who have had a tooth extraction.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most natural-looking and feeling tooth replacement option available. They are titanium posts that are surgically placed in the jawbone to replace the missing tooth root. An implant is then attached to the post and a dental crown is created to match the surrounding teeth.
For more information, see our dental implants page
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is a dental restoration that is used to replace missing teeth. A dental bridge is created by placing two dental crowns on the teeth on either side of the space where the tooth is missing. These dental crowns are then connected by a dental bridge made out of porcelain or gold.
For more information, see our dental bridges page
Dentures
Dentures are a removable dental restoration that is used to replace missing teeth. Dentures are made up of a dental base, which fits over the gums, and a number of dental prosthetic teeth, which are attached to the dental base. In addition to dentures, Dr. Murphy can place implants to help secure dentures in place.
For more information, see our dentures page
How Do I Pay For Teeth Extraction?
Most insurance companies will cover at least a portion of your tooth extraction cost. Our dental care team is familiar with all major insurance carriers. Call our dentistry to find out what your insurance will cover.
We also have an in-house insurance plan and accept CareCredit financing.
