Tooth Extractions

Sherman, TX

Extractions are outpatient procedures that involve removing one or more teeth from its place in the jaw. There are several reasons that an extraction may be necessary, to maintain or to improve your dental wellness. At HomeTown Dental at Sherman we understand that the idea of a tooth extraction can feel somewhat daunting. An extraction is a fairly standard procedure. The more that you know about the procedure, the better prepared you will be for it.

Reasons For Tooth Extractions

There are several reasons that a patient may need an extraction. If decay has taken hold of the tooth it may be that the destruction is too extensive for the tooth to be preserved with root canal therapy and a crown. The infection may spread into the surrounding bone and other teeth if the tooth is left in place.

Preparation for braces can often require the removal of one or more teeth, to ensure an even bite. Quite often the wisdom teeth are removed in preparation for traditional braces. Wisdom teeth are also often extracted if they are impacted or have extensive decay. Extractions are typically only deemed necessary if it is in the best interest of the patient’s overall dental health.

Preparing For Extraction

X-rays may be ordered, to determine the best direction for the extraction. For simple extractions, the tooth and areas surrounding the tooth will be numbed with a local anesthetic. For more complicated extractions, another sedation method may be used to ensure your comfort during the procedure. This could range from conscious sedation to being put under general anesthesia.

The simple extraction procedure will begin once your tooth and gums are completely numb. The tooth will be gripped with dental forceps. In most cases, it will pop out of the socket after a bit of wiggling back and forth to loosen it. If the tooth proves to be difficult to extract, it may need to be broken into a few easier to remove pieces. Remember that you will feel no discomfort during the procedure.

More complete extractions could include small incisions necessary to access teeth that are below the gumline.

Post Extraction Care

After your extraction, the most important thing that you can do is to ensure that the extraction site is kept clean. This will help to keep infection at bay as you heal from the extraction. In the 24 hours following the procedure, be sure to avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously and brushing teeth near to the extraction site.

There may be some swelling and discomfort after the extraction procedure. Applying ice packs to your cheek can help to reduce both the swelling and discomfort. Use pain medication as is directed by our dentist, to keep ahead of your discomfort.

Avoid using a straw, as this could potentially dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket. This can lead to a very painful condition known as a dry socket.

Discomfort should ease within the week. If you experience severe discomfort, swelling or bleeding, with or without a fever, be sure to call for further instruction.

To schedule an extraction or consultation, call our professional dental team HomeTown Dental at Sherman at (903) 224-7057 today.