Tooth Extractions in Lansing, MI

Do you have a tooth that’s causing you pain? At Cavanaugh Dental in Lansing, MI, we understand that the thought of a tooth extraction can feel intimidating. We’re here to change that. Our experienced team provides gentle, preventive care in a comfortable, judgment-free environment. We proudly serve patients from Lansing, East Lansing, Holt, Mason, and all surrounding mid-Michigan communities.

If you’re experiencing pain and aren’t sure why, call us at (517) 760-6845 or request an appointment online today.

Why You Might Need a Tooth Extraction

Our dentists will always try to save your natural tooth first. However, there are times when removing a tooth is the healthiest choice for your smile and overall well-being. Common reasons for a tooth extraction include:

• Severe Tooth Decay: When a cavity is too large to be filled or crowned, extraction may be necessary to prevent the infection from spreading.
• Advanced Gum Disease: Periodontal disease can loosen teeth by damaging the bone and tissues that support them. Removing the affected tooth helps protect your other teeth.
• Broken or Fractured Teeth: Teeth that are cracked below the gum line or broken beyond repair often need to be removed.
• Overcrowding: Sometimes, your jaw is too small to accommodate all your teeth. Removing one or more teeth can create room and help prevent orthodontic problems.
• Infection or Abscess: A severe infection that doesn’t respond to root canal treatment may require extraction to prevent it from spreading to other parts of your body.
• Wisdom Teeth Issues: Wisdom teeth often don’t have enough room to grow in properly. They can become impacted, grow sideways, or push against other teeth, causing pain and potential damage.

Wisdom Teeth Removal: A Common Procedure

Third molars, commonly called wisdom teeth, appear between the ages of 17 and 25. For many people, there isn’t enough room in the jaw for these teeth to come in correctly. When wisdom teeth become impacted or grow in at an angle, they can cause significant pain, damage to adjacent teeth, and increase the risk of infection.

Benefits of wisdom teeth removal include:

• Prevents Pain and Discomfort: Removes the source of pressure and pain before it starts.
• Protects Other Teeth: Prevents wisdom teeth from shifting or damaging your healthy molars.
• Reduces Infection Risk: Eliminates the small openings in the gums where bacteria can enter and cause infections.
• Prevents Cysts and Tumors: Removes the rare but serious risk of cysts or tumors developing around unerupted wisdom teeth.
• Improves Oral Hygiene: Makes it easier to brush and floss the back of your mouth effectively.

If you’re experiencing pain in the back of your jaw, swelling, or tenderness, contact our Lansing office for an evaluation.

The Tooth Extraction Procedure: Step by Step

We want you to feel informed and at ease throughout your visit. Here’s what you can expect during a simple tooth extraction at Cavanaugh Dental:

Before Your Extraction

During your consultation, one of our dentists will:

• Examine your tooth and take digital X-rays to assess the root and surrounding bone.
• Review your medical and dental history, including any medications you’re taking.
• Discuss your options and explain why an extraction is the best choice for your health.
• Answer all your questions so you feel confident and prepared.

The Day of Your Procedure

• Numbing the Area: We will apply a local anesthetic to completely numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue. You will not feel pain during the procedure.
• Loosening the Tooth: Using a specialized tool called an elevator, the dentist will gently loosen the tooth in its socket.
• Removing the Tooth: Once loosened, the tooth is carefully removed with dental forceps.
• Cleaning the Site: The area is cleaned thoroughly to remove any debris or infection.
• Stitching (if needed): In some cases, a few stitches may be placed to help the gum tissue heal. We use dissolvable stitches for your convenience.
• Gauze Placement: We’ll place gauze over the extraction site and ask you to bite down gently to control bleeding and promote clot formation.

After Your Extraction: Recovery and Care

Following your procedure, our team will provide you with detailed, easy-to-follow instructions. Here are some general guidelines to ensure a smooth recovery:

• Bite on Gauze: Keep the gauze in place for 30-45 minutes to help form a protective blood clot.
• Apply Ice: Use an ice pack on the outside of your cheek for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
• Take Pain Medication: We’ll recommend appropriate over-the-counter or prescription pain medication to keep you comfortable.
• Eat Soft Foods: Stick to foods like yogurt, soup, pasta, and mashed potatoes for a few days.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, but avoid using straws for at least 24 hours.
• Avoid Smoking and Spitting: These actions can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing.
• Gently Rinse: After the first 24 hours, rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to keep the area clean.
• Resume Brushing: Continue brushing your other teeth, but be very gentle around the extraction site.

Most patients feel back to normal within a few days. Complete healing of the bone and gum tissue can take several weeks, but any discomfort typically subsides quickly.

Why Choose Cavanaugh Dental for Your Extraction?

When you need a tooth extraction in Lansing, you want a team that combines skill with genuine compassion. Here’s why patients trust us:

• Experienced, Gentle Care: Dr. Daniel Dersken, Dr. John McRee, and Dr. Sheridan Kelley have years of experience performing extractions with minimal discomfort. We’re known for our gentle touch and patient-focused approach.
• A Judgment-Free Environment: We understand that dental anxiety is real. We meet you where you are, without judgment, and take extra steps to help you feel relaxed.
• Modern Technology: We use modern digital X-rays and advanced techniques to make your procedure as efficient and comfortable as possible.
• Flexible Payment Options: We want to make your care affordable. We accept most major insurances (including Delta Dental, Cigna, Guardian, and United Concordia) and offer third-party financing through CareCredit and Sunbit.
• Same-Day Emergency Appointments: We know that tooth pain can’t wait. We strive to see emergency patients the same day they call.