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 of Plano 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.