Tooth Extractions – Plano, TX
Safely Removing Problematic Teeth
When your tooth is significantly damaged in some way, you should have Dr. Hardin examine it as soon as possible. Much of the time, he will be able to devise a way to protect your oral health while letting you keep the tooth in question. However, in some circumstances, it may be necessary to remove the tooth altogether for the sake of the rest of your smile. Reach out to us immediately if you think you might require a tooth extraction.
Why Choose Westpark Village Dental Care for Tooth Extractions?
- Same-Day Appointments Offered for Dental Emergencies
- Highly Qualified Dentist with Advanced Training
- Conveniently Located Dental Practice
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
Having a full set of natural teeth is always ideal for your smile. For this reason, tooth extraction will never be our first choice; we will always consider options for saving your tooth first. Therefore, if our team does recommend a tooth extraction, it is because we have found that there is no other alternative.
Some situations that might warrant a tooth extraction include:
- A tooth that cannot be repaired because it lacks the strength needed to support a crown.
- A tooth that has become badly decayed or infected.
- A tooth that has come loose due to advanced gum disease.
- A tooth that needs to be removed before you can get dentures.
If you’re unsure why a tooth extraction is necessary, don’t hesitate to speak up; our team will be more than happy to explain our recommendation to you.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
Teeth that are fully visible in your mouth can normally be removed with a simple extraction. A local anesthetic is used to keep you comfortable during the procedure. Using forceps, we will rock the tooth in question back and forth in order to loosen it until it reaches the point where it can be removed.
But what if you have a tooth that is either trapped under the gums or has broken off at the gumline? In this type of situation, a surgical extraction may be your only option. After your mouth has been numbed, an incision will be made in the gum tissue. In many cases, the tooth will be divided into sections that can be taken out one at a time; this helps keep bone loss to a minimum.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Proper aftercare is crucial for making sure your mouth heals without problems after a tooth extraction. Below are examples of steps you should follow after your procedure:
- Take any pain relievers that you were prescribed as instructed.
- Maintain a diet of soft foods for the next several days.
- Avoid any activities that can increase your blood flow (such as strenuous exercise).
- Brush and floss regularly to make sure the extraction site stays as clean as possible.
Tooth Extractions FAQs
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
It’s not uncommon for patients to be hesitant to commit to treatment because they’re afraid the procedure will hurt. Fortunately, whether you’re getting one tooth pulled or multiple, the first step is always the same: numbing your mouth.
Some soreness and discomfort are to be expected following the procedure, however following your aftercare instructions to a tee can help not only prevent infection and reduce puffiness, but it can also promote healing.
Should your pain worsen or if you begin to exhibit signs of infection such as a fever, please contact Dr. Hardin right away.
Is There an Alternative to a Tooth Extraction?
Although tooth replacement options such as dental implants are extremely lifelike and durable, Dr. Hardin’s top priority is to save your natural teeth.
To answer whether there’s a suitable alternative to having your tooth extracted depends on the reason why Dr. Hardin is recommending it. For example, if it’s due to excessive decay then a root canal may be a viable option. If it’s from the side-effects of periodontal disease, root scaling and planing could restore your oral health. Unfortunately, however, if he’s recommending extraction, these options may not be possible.
If you do require a tooth extraction to restore your smile and bite, you can rest assured that it is the best way to get you back to a strong, healthy and pain-free smile.
Can I Leave the Space Empty After a Tooth Extraction?
If the tooth that needs to be extracted is towards the back of your mouth, many patients believe that they don’t need to replace it. After all, if you can’t see it, why bother replacing it? But in reality, your teeth do so much more than just create a gorgeous smile! They’re essential to doing things like chewing properly and enunciating clearly. In fact, even one missing back tooth can make it harder to chew, which can lead to poor nutrition and indigestion. Because your tongue makes a series of distinct movements against the back of your teeth to form words, missing a tooth towards the front of your mouth can cause a speech impediment or lisp.
Thus, to reduce the risk of developing one or more of these issues, it is recommended that once you are done healing you schedule an appointment with Dr. Hardin to find the tooth replacement option that works best for you.
What Risks Are Involved with Tooth Extractions?
Fortunately, tooth extractions are considered to be extremely safe. However, as with any dental procedure, there are always some risks. With tooth extractions, the primary risk is infection, which can easily spread throughout the body if it isn’t treated promptly.
Dry socket is another risk, which can be both painful and delay your recovery process significantly.
To prevent this from happening, Dr. Hardin will provide you with an extensive list of tooth extraction aftercare instructions, as well as a few common symptoms of infection to look out for as you heal.