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Gilbert Dentist | Family & Cosmetic Dentistry | Dr. Robert Barber & Dr. Christopher Erskine

Extractions

Wisdom teeth extractions are a fairly common procedure. Wisdom teeth often cause problems as they are trying to protrude through the gums. When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it means the tooth is coming in at an angle and not straight through the gum line. This can cause pain, the tooth can come in unevenly, or the tooth may only emerge partially.

When a wisdom tooth only emerges partially a flap of skin, called an operculum, may form over the tooth. This can make the tooth hard to clean, and pieces of food may be caught under the skin. This makes it easy for an infection, called pericoronitis, to develop. It will usually go away on its own, but it causes swelling and pain in the area.

Impacted teeth and wisdom teeth that can potentially cause problems, like infections, need to be removed. Extractions can range from a single tooth, to removing all four wisdom teeth at once. Based on the preference of the doctor and/or the patient, a local anesthetic could be used to numb the areas where the teeth will be extracted. Others will prefer to go under a general anesthetic so that they will be sedated during the procedure.

The gum tissue around the wisdom tooth is cut open to reveal the tooth. The tooth is loosened by gripping it tightly and wiggling it back and forth until it can be lifted out of the gums. Sometimes a tooth may be impacted so tightly that it cannot be simply lifted out of the gums. In cases like this the tooth will be broken up into pieces first before being removed. Depending on the incision and extraction site, sutures may be needed to close the area. Soluble sutures are the best option, which will dissolve on their own.

After the surgery you will need to rest. You need to be driven home by a friend or family member because of the anesthesia. You can expect for the extraction site to bleed for a little while after the surgery. Gauze will be applied at the completion of the surgery, and you will need to change it when it becomes soaked. If bleeding continues for longer than 24 hours you should call your dentist. Rest when you return home, but do not lie flat. This could prolong the bleeding. Prop your head up on a pillow when lying down. Your dentist will prescribe you pain medication, so if you become sore take as directed. You can also use an ice pack for the pain. Your dentist might also provide you with a cleaning solution to clean the extraction site.

You will be limited to soft foods for a few days after your surgery. Some recommended foods are:

  • Gelatin
  • Pudding
  • Yogurt
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Ice Cream
  • Thin Soups
  • …and other food you can eat without chewing.

When drinking, make sure you do not use a straw. The sucking motion can loosen your sutures and slow the clotting process. The same goes for smoking. If you have prolonged pain, bleeding, irritation, or don’t feel that the extraction site is healing properly call your dentist for a follow up.

Call Us Today

(480) 279-4888

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Any dental work I have in the future will be performed here. They rock!

As a 30 year old male, I still loathe going to the dentist. I broke a tooth on Monday, and Gateway examined the damage 15 minutes before closing. My perspective has changed because Dr. Barber and his staff were incredible. A crown and filling were completed in less than 90 minutes. They were gentle and efficient. All future dental will be done here. They rock!

— Michael Finnerty

Gilbert Dentist | Family & Cosmetic Dentistry | Dr. Robert Barber & Dr. Christopher Erskine
5
2019-10-21T18:23:59+00:00

— Michael Finnerty

As a 30 year old male, I still loathe going to the dentist. I broke a tooth on Monday, and Gateway examined the damage 15 minutes before closing. My perspective has changed because Dr. Barber and his staff were incredible. A crown and filling were completed in less than 90 minutes. They were gentle and efficient. All future dental will be done here. They rock!
http://gatewaydentalcare.net/testimonials/any-dental-work-i-have-in-the-future-will-be-performed-here-they-rock/

ALL of the staff is awesome!

My whole family comes here! 7 of us! The hours are fantastic, ALL of the staff is awesome! I love the way my teeth look and feel!

— Suzan Irmer

Gilbert Dentist | Family & Cosmetic Dentistry | Dr. Robert Barber & Dr. Christopher Erskine
5
2019-10-21T18:14:25+00:00

— Suzan Irmer

My whole family comes here! 7 of us! The hours are fantastic, ALL of the staff is awesome! I love the way my teeth look and feel!
http://gatewaydentalcare.net/testimonials/all-of-the-staff-is-awesome/

Best dental care by great people

As usual the best dental care by great people.....

⁠— Greg Wheeler

Gilbert Dentist | Family & Cosmetic Dentistry | Dr. Robert Barber & Dr. Christopher Erskine
5
2019-10-21T18:16:35+00:00

⁠— Greg Wheeler

As usual the best dental care by great people.....
http://gatewaydentalcare.net/testimonials/best-dental-care-by-great-people/

Dr. Barber did an amazing job

I was referred here by a coworker and so glad I was. The staff is absolutely amazing and kind. Dr. Barber did an amazing job filling a cavity for me and made it very easy and painless. Everybody from the front desk, assistants, to the hygienist care for each and every person that walks through their door. Would highly recommend them.

— Jessica Burton

Gilbert Dentist | Family & Cosmetic Dentistry | Dr. Robert Barber & Dr. Christopher Erskine
5
2019-10-21T18:17:54+00:00

— Jessica Burton

I was referred here by a coworker and so glad I was. The staff is absolutely amazing and kind. Dr. Barber did an amazing job filling a cavity for me and made it very easy and painless. Everybody from the front desk, assistants, to the hygienist care for each and every person that walks through their door. Would highly recommend them.
http://gatewaydentalcare.net/testimonials/dr-barber-did-an-amazing-job/

Best dental office in town

Best dental office in town and have been going here for years. The office staff is friendly, helpful, and gives plenty of reminders for upcoming appointments. I tell everyone who asks about dental work to come here because I feel confident their experience will be stellar as well.

— Kari Carlson

Gilbert Dentist | Family & Cosmetic Dentistry | Dr. Robert Barber & Dr. Christopher Erskine
5
2019-10-21T18:18:50+00:00

— Kari Carlson

Best dental office in town and have been going here for years. The office staff is friendly, helpful, and gives plenty of reminders for upcoming appointments. I tell everyone who asks about dental work to come here because I feel confident their experience will be stellar as well.
http://gatewaydentalcare.net/testimonials/best-dental-office-in-town/
5
Gilbert Dentist | Family & Cosmetic Dentistry | Dr. Robert Barber & Dr. Christopher Erskine

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5656 S Power Rd, Suite 129
Gilbert, AZ 85295

Gateway Dental Care

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Gateway Dental Care
Dr. Robert Barber
Dr. Christopher Erskine
Dr. Amber Powell
5656 S Power Rd
Suite 129
Gilbert, AZ 85295
Telephone: 480-279-4888
Fax: 480-279-5005

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(480) 279-4888

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Monday-Thursday 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
Friday 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturdays 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

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