Tooth Extractions in Porter
Tooth extractins in our Porter, TX dental office are not something that dentists look forward to doing, so you definitely aren’t alone if you're dreading the procedure. If they had the option, dentists would avoid extracting teeth altogether as replacing them can be difficult and time-consuming. However, when your options are extracting a tooth and allowing it to damage the rest of your mouth, the dentists at Gilbert C. Price DDS will always choose the former.
Of course, tooth extractions are not very common and only needed in very specific situations. Contact our dental office today to learn if your damaged tooth can be saved or if it requires extraction today!
Do I Need a Tooth Extraction?
There are several reasons why teeth may be extracted, even if there is no decay or gum disease present. One of the most common reasons is because of erupting wisdom teeth, which can easily cause crowding, jaw pain, and even infections if not removed, especially if they’ve become impacted. Other times additional teeth begin to erupt and cause crowding. In less common cases, teeth require removal before orthodontic treatment can be done.
When determining whether any of your standard teeth require removal, Dr. Price will closely examine the condition of your tooth and the extent of decay or damaged supportive tissue that is present. If a cavity is too damaged to repair with a filling or crown, then breaking it apart and extracting it is the only way to protect your future oral health.
What Does the Process Entail?
The process for tooth extractions can be either simple or surgical, depending on the case. For example, wisdom teeth that have fully erupted through the gum tissue are more visible, therefore easier to remove. However, if it’s become trapped underneath gum tissue or under another tooth (impacted), surgery is required.
In the case of easily accessible teeth, one of our dentists will use an elevator tool to gently rock the tooth out of the supportive bone and tissue. Then, they’ll use a pair of dental forceps to grasp and pull the tooth. Luckily, you’ll have local anesthetic administered prior to treatment, so the process will be nearly painless. If the tooth is underneath gum tissue, they’ll make a small incision in order to access the tooth, then either use the same process mentioned or break the tooth apart into smaller pieces for easier removal.
What Does Aftercare Look Like?
During aftercare, it’s important that you rest for the first 24-48 hours, just like with any surgery. After you’ve restarted your daily activities, make sure to perform the following until either Dr. Price says otherwise:
- Leave the initial gauze pad in place. Replace it as needed.
- Take painkillers or prescription medication to alleviate soreness.
- Apply a cold compress to your cheek after the procedure in 10-minute intervals.
- Avoid rinsing, spitting or using a straw for the first 24 hours after surgery to prevent dislodging the clot.
- Do not use any tobacco products.
- Elevate your head while sleeping to promote healing.
- Brush and floss regularly without touching the extraction site.
In the hands of a dentist in Porter, tooth extractions are nothing to be afraid of. Contact our dental office to see if your damaged tooth needs restorative dental treatment today!
