Tooth Extraction
It isn't a topic anyone likes to think about, but sometimes removing a tooth is a step that benefits your overall oral health. If you need a tooth extraction, you couldn't be in better hands than you are with Dr. Andrew Katerakis!
His patients appreciate his friendly and caring demeanor, and he and our team will ensure that you have a comfortable, stress-free procedure.
Reasons for Tooth Extraction
Some of the reasons our dentist recommends tooth extraction are:
- An abscessed or infected tooth that we can't save with root canal treatment
- A tooth that's so severely decayed it's unsalvageable
- A tooth that has loosened due to gum disease
- A wisdom tooth that is crowding neighboring teeth
- A tooth that's broken or cracked in a way that we can't restore it
If Dr. Katerakis recommends removing the tooth, he will explain why so you feel fully informed and confident that it's the right step. We use visual aids like digital x-rays and intraoral cameras so you can see what he sees and understand the benefits of removing the tooth.
We'll Take Good Care of You!
We know losing a tooth for any reason is upsetting, but we've got this! Dr. Katerakis has been practicing dentistry since 2012 and is skilled at performing the procedure with minimal stress and little or no discomfort for the patient.
We offer neck pillows, blankets to help you relax, and Bluetooth headphones so you can watch TV or enjoy your favorite music or podcast. Our caring dental team understands your concerns and will take excellent care of you if you feel anxious! They empathize with you and are here to provide whatever support you need, whether it's a warm smile, a kind word, or a hand to hold.
At-Home Care after Tooth Extraction
We recommend taking off the rest of the day after your procedure to rest and recuperate at home. Your body needs to heal, and there are steps to take post-extraction to keep yourself comfortable and avoid complications.
Before you leave our office, our team will provide at-home care instructions that you should follow carefully.
- Bite down on the gauze pad with steady, gentle pressure for an hour after your procedure. Replace as needed until bleeding stops or slows.
- Use ice packs and elevate your head as much as possible for 24 hours to minimize swelling.
- Don't smoke, spit, or use a straw as it can disturb the protective clot and lead to a painful condition called dry socket.
- You can brush but avoid the extraction site.
- Stick to a soft diet of foods like eggs, yogurt, applesauce, and pasta for the first few days.
- Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours as an elevated heart rate can increase bleeding.
Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns or questions!
Do You Think You Need a Tooth Extraction?
If you think you need a tooth extracted, call our Troy, OH, dental office at (937) 335-7754 to schedule an appointment. It is possible that a tooth you think needs to be removed can be saved with root canal treatment or a dental crown, but the final choice is always up to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
While our goal is to preserve teeth for as long as possible, sometimes removing one is the best move for your general oral health and well-being. We offer comfortable tooth extraction at our Troy, OH, dental office when we can't save a tooth by any other means.
Why We Recommend Tooth Extraction
Some examples of when Dr. Katerakis would recommend tooth extraction are:
- An abscessed or infected tooth that we can't save with root canal treatment
- A tooth that's so severely decayed it's unsalvageable
- A tooth that has become loose due to gum disease
- A wisdom tooth that is crowding neighboring teeth
- A tooth that's broken or cracked in a way that we can't restore it
Our dentist in Troy, OH, may also recommend removing one or more teeth to prepare for orthodontics or denture therapy.
Your Comfort Is Our Priority
Before your procedure, Dr. Katerakis numbs the tooth using very powerful local anesthetics that block sensations so that you won't feel any pain during your procedure.
We will send you home with aftercare instructions, and following them carefully will keep you comfortable and help you avoid any complications.
Do You Need Tooth Extraction?
Are you in pain and think your tooth needs to be removed? We offer emergency tooth extractions at our Troy, OH, dental office and take care of you promptly. Please call us so we can help you.
Your comfort is our priority, and we offer amenities like neck pillows, blankets, and Bluetooth headphones in all our treatment rooms. Our dental team has decades of combined experience and is passionate about helping our patients have comfortable, stress-free appointments. They are sensitive to our patients' concerns, and their cheerful and positive attitude immediately helps them relax.
Gentle Dentistry in a Relaxed Environment.
Dr. Katerakis is a caring dentist with an upbeat, easygoing personality that puts his patients at ease from the moment they meet him. His caring approach extends to treatment, where he works efficiently and always checks in with patients to ensure that they are comfortable and doing well.
Our potent local anesthetics work quickly to numb the tooth we're treating so you won't feel any pain. We use a bite block that supports your jaw during treatment, so you won't experience jaw fatigue or soreness from keeping your mouth open for long periods.
Schedule with Us to See What We Offer!
Dr. Katerakis and our professional team would love to meet you and show you how we can provide the best dental experience you've ever had. Please call our Troy, OH, dental office to get started!
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Andrew Katerakis
Dr. Andrew Katerakis completed his undergraduate studies at Miami University and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. He continued his dental education by completing a General Practice Residency at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, New Jersey, and an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Internship at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
In 2018, Dr. Katerakis purchased the general dentistry practice of Dr. James Sims in Troy, who he considers to be his dental mentor. After moving back ...