An extraction means removing a tooth, usually because of disease, trauma, or crowding. At Cornerstone Family Dentistry, we provide comfortable tooth extraction treatment in Garland, TX, to prevent tooth damage and infection. Tooth extractions are a general dentistry treatment we provide.
If you need an extraction, your dentist will first numb the area to lessen discomfort. After the extraction, your dentist will advise you on post-op instructions. In most cases, a small amount of bleeding is normal. Your mouth will slowly fill in the bone where the tooth root was through the formation of a blood clot.
Do I Need a Tooth Removed?
You might need a tooth extraction for multiple reasons. One common reason is severe tooth pain, especially if it’s caused by damage or infection. If a tooth is badly decayed or infected beyond repair, an extraction might be necessary to prevent the infection from spreading to other teeth or gums.
Another sign is a tooth broken or cracked beyond what can be fixed with a filling, crown, or other dental treatment. Sometimes, if the damage is too extensive, removing the tooth is the best option.
Gum disease can also lead to tooth extractions. When gum disease is advanced, it can weaken the support around the teeth, making them loose. Sometimes, we may need to remove a tooth if it can’t be saved.
Impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth, are another reason for extraction. These teeth may not have enough space to come in properly, causing pain, crowding, or infection. Finally, overcrowding is another sign you might need an extraction. If your mouth is too small to fit all your teeth, pulling a tooth might be necessary before braces or other orthodontic treatments.
If you notice any of these signs, visit us to discuss whether an extraction is the right solution.
Types of Tooth Extractions
The two main types of tooth extractions are simple and surgical. Each type is performed for different reasons and involves different steps.
A simple extraction is usually done when a tooth is visible and can be easily removed. This type of extraction is often performed when a tooth is damaged due to decay or injury.
Our dentist will begin by numbing the area around the tooth using a local anesthetic. This helps ensure that you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. Once the area is numb, our dentist will use a special tool called an elevator to loosen the tooth from its socket (the bony area where the tooth sits). After the tooth is loosened, our dentist will use forceps to grab the tooth and gently pull it out.
A surgical extraction is more complicated and is needed when a tooth is broken, impacted (stuck in the jawbone), or not fully erupted. Our dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic like a simple extraction. In some cases, sedation can help you relax.
If the tooth is impacted, our dentist may need to make a small incision in the gum to access the tooth. Sometimes, our dentist may have to remove some bone or gum tissue to get to the tooth.
Once the tooth is accessible, our dentist will remove it. If the tooth is in pieces, our dentist will remove each separately. If our dentist makes an incision, he will stitch it up afterward.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Garland, TX
You can keep your wisdom teeth in some circumstances. If they erupt safely and you can keep them clean, they can remain in your mouth for many years. However, they must be removed if they become stuck or impacted due to a lack of room inside your mouth. If you experience a dull, constant pain or pressure in the back of your jaw, or if you notice a loose flap in the gums around that area, an impacted wisdom tooth is likely to blame.
Heal After Your Tooth Extraction
Healing from a tooth extraction can take a few days to a week, and following the right steps will help ensure a smooth recovery. Here are some tips to help you heal properly:
Rest and Take It Easy
After your extraction, it’s important to rest for at least 24 hours. Avoid heavy physical activity or exercise for a few days to give your body time to heal. Overworking yourself too soon can cause complications.
Manage Pain and Swelling
After an extraction, you may experience some pain and swelling. Our dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen, to help manage discomfort. You can also use an ice pack on your cheek near the extraction site for 15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
Be Careful When You Eat and Drink
For the first few days, stick to soft foods like soup, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies. Avoid hot foods and drinks, as they can irritate the extraction site. Also, try not to drink through a straw, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot, which helps with healing.
Keep Your Mouth Clean
While you need to keep your mouth clean, you also have to be careful with the extraction site. Do not brush directly over the extraction site for at least 24 hours. Instead, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water after meals to help prevent infection and keep the area clean.
What is Dry Socket?
Dry socket is a painful condition after a tooth is pulled. When a tooth is extracted, a blood clot forms in the empty socket (the space where the tooth used to be). This clot protects the bone and nerves underneath as the area heals. If the clot gets dislodged or dissolves too soon, the bone and nerves are exposed, leading to pain and delayed healing. This is what’s called dry socket.
To avoid dry socket after a tooth extraction in our Garland, TX, office:
Avoid Smoking
Smoking can greatly interfere with the healing process after an extraction. The chemicals in cigarettes can slow down blood flow to the area, making it harder for your body to heal. Plus, smoking creates suction in your mouth, which can loosen the blood clots. To give your body the best chance to heal, it’s best to avoid smoking for at least 72 hours after your tooth extraction. If you can, try to quit smoking altogether, as this will improve your overall oral health.
Don’t Use Straws
Using a straw can create suction in your mouth that might dislodge the blood clot that forms after your tooth is removed. This blood clot protects the bone and nerves underneath as your mouth heals. Instead of using a straw, drink directly from a cup. This way, you can avoid unnecessary pulling on the extraction site that could lead to dry socket.
Be Gentle
Avoid vigorously rinsing your mouth or forcefully spitting, as both actions can disturb the blood clot and lead to complications. Instead, if you need to rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water after the first 24 hours. This will help keep the area clean without risking the clot.
Eat Soft Foods
Choosing the right foods can help you heal more comfortably and avoid complications. In the days following your extraction, stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, applesauce, and smoothies. These foods are easy to chew and won’t disturb the extraction site. Additionally, try to chew on the side of your mouth opposite the extraction. This will help you avoid putting pressure on the area needing healing time.
If you do get dry socket, contact us right away. We can clean the area to remove any debris. Then, we will apply a special medicated dressing to soothe the pain and promote healing. We will also suggest over-the-counter medication to help with discomfort.
While dry sockets can be painful, they’re treatable. With our dentist’s help, you can heal and feel better soon.
Treat Problem Teeth
Do you have one or more problem teeth? Call Cornerstone Family Dentistry for tooth extraction treatment in Garland, TX, at 972-848-7749. You can also schedule an appointment with us online.