Emergency Dentist and Tooth Extractions Rochester MN

Dr. Funke is one of the few dentists in Southeast Minnesota that is proficient in tooth extractions. He has years of experience and training to keep the appointment efficient and comfortable.

You and Dr. Funke may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.

To avoid these complications, in most cases, Dr. Funke will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth.

The Extraction Process

At the time of extraction, Dr. Funke will need to numb your tooth, jaw bone and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic.

During the extraction process you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.

You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected.

Dr. Funke wants to maintain a good relationship with you. If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away.

Wisdom Tooth Extractions Rochester MN

Dr. Funke offers wisdom tooth extractions in Rochester, MN. Dr. Funke utilizes 3D x-ray imaging to know exactly how the tooth is positioned for better treatment planning. Dr. Funke offers oral sedation for those that need it. Dr. Funke offers removal of impacted wisdom teeth as well as partially or fully erupted teeth. 

Bone Grafting Rochester MN

Dr. Funke offers dental bone grafting in Rochester, MN. Socket preservation can often times be completed at the time of tooth extraction and removal. Bone grafting is a great way to maintain as much bone as possible. Bone grafting can help create a more favorable site for future implant placement. Dr. Funke will discuss the option of bone grafting the extraction site and is able to do so at the time of extraction.

After Tooth Extraction

After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. Bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes immediately after the appointment. Don’t worry, If the bleeding or oozing still persists, we send you home with some extra gauze to place and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times to staunch the flow of blood.

After the blood clot forms it is important to not disturb or dislodge the clot. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities may dislodge or dissolve the clot and hinder the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours, as this increases blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.

After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.

Use pain medication as directed. Call our office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious, soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.

It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.

After a few days you should feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately.

Patient Comfort and Oral Sedation Rochester MN

Most patients do well without the need to be put to sleep or without the need for nitrous sedation (laughing gas). We understand that the thought of having a tooth out may cause anxiety or be stressful. In these cases oral sedation the night prior and day of surgery may be helpful. Learn more about our oral sedation options here.