Tooth Extractions in Baton Rouge

When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?

While our goal is always to save natural teeth, extractions become necessary in certain cases, including:

1. Severe Tooth Decay or Infection

When a tooth is badly decayed or infected beyond repair, removing it can prevent the infection from spreading and causing additional complications.

Related treatment: If decay is caught early, we may recommend tooth-colored fillings or a root canal instead of an extraction.

2. Impacted or Problematic Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth often cause pain, swelling, or misalignment as they erupt. In many cases, they don’t have enough space to grow properly, leading to impaction.

Related treatment: Learn about wisdom teeth removal for a safe and effective solution.

3. Overcrowding Before Orthodontic Treatment

If there isn’t enough room for proper tooth alignment, extractions may be recommended before getting braces or Invisalign.

Related treatment: Consider Invisalign for a discreet way to straighten teeth after extractions.

4. Gum Disease-Related Tooth Loss

Severe periodontal disease can weaken the bone-supporting teeth, leading to loose or failing teeth that need removal.

Related treatment: Protect your gums with gum disease therapy to prevent tooth loss.

Types of Tooth Extractions We Offer

At Kidder Dental, we provide two types of extractions based on the condition of the tooth:

1. Simple Extractions

Performed on visible, easily accessible teeth, a simple extraction is a quick and straightforward procedure done under local anesthesia.

2. Surgical Extractions

When a tooth is impacted, broken, or beneath the gumline, a surgical extraction is necessary. This procedure may require incisions, bone removal, or sectioning the tooth into smaller pieces for easier removal.

Common surgical extractions include:

• Wisdom teeth removal
• Broken or fractured teeth
• Severely decayed teeth that can’t be extracted normally

Related treatment: If you need wisdom teeth extraction, visit our oral surgery page for details.

What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction

Your comfort is our priority. Here’s what you can expect during a tooth extraction at Kidder Dental:

Step 1: Initial Consultation & Exam

Dr. Kidder will:

• Examine the affected tooth using X-rays
• Discuss treatment options, including whether restorative solutions are needed after extraction
• Determine if sedation dentistry is appropriate for your case

Step 2: Numbing & Sedation

We offer local anesthesia for all extractions and sedation options for nervous patients, including:

• Oral sedation
• IV sedation (for complex extractions)

Learn about sedation dentistry for a relaxed and anxiety-free experience.

Step 3: Tooth Removal

Depending on the complexity of the case, the tooth is gently loosened and removed using specialized tools.

Step 4: Post-Extraction Care

We provide personalized aftercare instructions, including:

• Managing swelling and discomfort
• Guidance on eating and drinking
• Preventing dry socket (blood clot loss in the socket)

If needed, we discuss tooth replacement options such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures to restore your smile.

Tooth Extraction Recovery & Aftercare

Proper aftercare is essential for a smooth and speedy recovery. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and return to normal activities within a few days.

How to Promote Healing

• Keep the gauze in place for the first few hours to control bleeding.
• Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling.
• Eat soft foods like yogurt, soup, and mashed potatoes for a few days.
• Avoid straws, smoking, or vigorous rinsing to prevent dry sockets.

For post-extraction discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers and prescribed medication (if needed) can help manage symptoms.

If you are considering a tooth replacement, we offer dental implants for a long-term, natural-looking solution.

Does Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?

Many dental insurance plans cover tooth extractions, especially for medically necessary cases like infections, impacted wisdom teeth, or orthodontic preparation.

At Kidder Dental, we work with major insurance providers and offer flexible payment options to ensure you receive the care you need.

For affordable tooth replacement options, check out our ceramic crowns & bridges and implant-supported dentures.

Why Choose Kidder Dental for Tooth Extractions in Baton Rouge?

At Kidder Dental, we focus on providing safe, comfortable, and efficient tooth extractions using modern techniques and advanced sedation options.

• Experienced Dentists – Dr. Dustin Kidder & Dr. Elizabeth Kidder have extensive experience in general and surgical extractions.
• Minimally Invasive Approach – We use gentle techniques to reduce trauma and promote faster healing.
• Advanced Sedation Options – We offer sedation dentistry for a stress-free experience.

Comprehensive Care – From extractions to replacements, we provide dental implants and bridges to restore missing teeth.