Longview Family Dental is a trusted dentist office that offers general dentistry services to patients. A tooth extraction is a necessary treatment some of our patients need to improve their oral health. While we will always do what we can to save your natural tooth, sometimes pulling a tooth is the best thing for your dental health. Longview Family Dental can provide you with a pain-free tooth extraction in Longview, TX in the event you need to have a tooth removed. We can also provide you with a tooth replacement if necessary.
What is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is a dental procedure that involves removing a tooth from the socket in the jawbone. While extractions are a last resort, there are instances when it becomes necessary to intervene for various reasons. Your dentist may suggest removing a tooth for many reasons. The reasons range from extensive decay and infection to wisdom teeth considerations. Maintaining your oral health is always the top priority.
Why Are Tooth Extractions Necessary?
Severe Tooth Decay: Extensive decay that compromises the tooth structure beyond repair may necessitate extraction to prevent the spread of infection to surrounding teeth.
Advanced Gum Disease: Periodontal disease can lead to the loosening of teeth. Extraction might be necessary to eliminate compromised teeth and preserve overall oral health.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth, or third molars, may become impacted (unable to fully emerge), causing pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth. Extraction is often the recommended solution.
Overcrowding: Orthodontic treatments may require tooth extraction to create space for proper alignment, especially in cases of overcrowded teeth.
Fractured or Broken Teeth: Teeth severely fractured or broken beyond what can be restored with a restorative dentistry treatment may require extraction.
Infection or Abscess: Untreated dental infections can lead to abscess formation which is a dental emergency. A tooth extraction may be necessary to eliminate the source of the infection and prevent its spread.
Tooth Extraction in Longview, TX
During your appointment or consultation, your dentist will determine if you need a tooth extraction. He may determine this through an oral exam and/or dental X-rays. Your dentist will plan your treatment. We offer sedation dentistry options if you suffer from dental anxiety.
At your dentist appointment, the first step is to prepare you for the procedure. Your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the tooth and the area around the tooth.
To remove the tooth, your dentist will execute one of two extraction techniques: simple or surgical. Simple extractions involve loosening the tooth with an elevator and removing it with forceps. Surgical extractions are more complex and may involve cutting into the gum or bone.
Following your tooth extraction, the dentist will place gauze over the extraction site to control bleeding. A clot needs to form in the gap to inhibit healing. Patients are given specific instructions for immediate care, including avoiding certain foods and activities.
In some cases, sutures may be necessary to close the extraction site. The healing process involves the formation of a blood clot, followed by the growth of new bone tissue and gum.
Tooth Extraction: Aftercare Instructions
- Pain Management: We will suggest over-the-counter or prescription pain medication to help you manage post-extraction discomfort. Please follow the prescribed dosage.
- Ice Packs: Applying ice packs to the affected area for the first 24 hours helps reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Rest and Avoiding Strenuous Activities: Rest is crucial for the initial recovery period. Avoid strenuous activities to prevent complications or disrupt the healing process.
- Diet Modifications: Please stick to a soft food-only diet for a few days. Also, avoid hot and spicy foods. These foods can irritate the extraction site.
- Oral Hygiene: Proper oral hygiene is essential. You must continue brushing your teeth but avoid the extraction site during the initial healing phase. We suggest rinsing with a mild saltwater solution to help with the swelling and promote healing.
- Follow-Up Appointments: You must attend follow-up appointments. This will allow your dentist to monitor your healing process and address any concerns or complications.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure for young adults in their late teens to early 20s. This is the timeframe when they begin to emerge and sometimes cause problems for the patient. As a general dental office, we provide wisdom teeth removal for our young patients so they can avoid the many issues these molars can cause. Wisdom teeth are known to cause issues such as:
- Overcrowding
- Teeth shifting
- Tooth decay
- Impaction
- Bite issues