Removal is not the first option Dr. Candon wants to consider when you have issues with a tooth, but sometimes it is the only choice. The damage may be so significant that extraction is necessary to preserve your oral and general health. When tooth extractions in Indian Land are required, our team will make sure you understand why this approach is being recommended to you and that you’re comfortable throughout the procedure. Keep reading to learn more about this emergency dental treatment and give us a call in the best interest of protecting your smile from problematic teeth!
Why Choose BridgeMill Dental Care For Tooth Extractions?
Comprehensive Digital X-Ray Technology
Soft-Tissue Laser For More Precise Treatment
Dental Sedation For Comfort And Relaxation
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
At BridgeMill Dental Care, tooth extractions are only recommended if the tooth in question cannot be salvaged using a dental crown or root canal therapy. Although preserving as much of the natural tooth structure as possible is ideal, removal may be the best option for your oral health if you have:
Extensive decay or irreparable damage to a tooth
Severe infection that could spread
Advanced periodontal disease or jawbone loss
Primary tooth that hasn’t fallen out
Impacted tooth
The Process of Removing a Tooth
The last bit of advice you want to hear from your dentist is to have a tooth pulled. However, it may surprise you to learn an extraction is not as terrifying as it sounds! There are two methods commonly used for removing a tooth: simple and surgical.
A simple extraction is done for a tooth that has fully erupted and is completely above the gumline. After Dr. Candon numbs your mouth, he’ll grasp the tooth with dental forceps and rock it back and forth until it separates from the gum tissue.
Meanwhile, a surgical extraction is an ideal option for a tooth that isn’t fully above the gumline. This method involves making a small incision in the gums to access the tooth. Like a simple extraction, dental forceps will be used to grasp the tooth and remove it.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Following your tooth extraction, you’ll receive post-op instructions from your dentist in Indian Land that you’ll need to follow diligently to make a swift and comfortable recovery. By keeping your mouth as clean as possible, you can ensure the surgical site heals properly. Here are some aftercare tips to keep in mind:
Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as needed to alleviate your discomfort.
Gently brush and floss around the surgical site to keep it clean.
Rinse with warm salt water after 24 hours to disinfect the site.
Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest to promote faster healing.
Use a cold compress on the outside of your mouth to minimize pain and swelling.
Avoid drinking from a straw.
Do not eat hard, crunchy, sticky, sour, or spicy foods for the first few days.
Tooth Extractions FAQs
Have you been told that you’re in need of a tooth extraction? You may still have some unanswered questions about the procedure, so we’re here to help! Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about tooth extractions in Indian Land. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, don’t worry. Give us a call and we’d be happy to walk you through the treatment so that you know what to expect.
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
Many patients are hesitant to commit to treatment because they worry that the procedure may hurt. The good news is that the first step of a tooth extraction is numbing the area with a local anesthetic. While you shouldn’t feel a thing during your procedure, you are likely to experience so soreness afterward. By closely following your aftercare instructions, you can prevent infection, reduce puffiness, and promote healing. If your pain worsens or you begin to show signs of an infection, give us a call.
Can I Leave the Space Empty After a Tooth Extraction?
If the tooth that is being pulled is towards the back of the mouth, many patients think that they don’t need to have it replaced. After all, if no one can see it, why should you replace it? The truth is that your teeth do much more than just create a beautiful smile. They are essential for chewing properly and enunciating clearly. Even one missing back tooth can make it difficult to chew, therefore leading to poor nutrition and indigestion. Ultimately, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment to discuss tooth replacement options as soon as you have finished healing.
Can I Smoke After Getting a Tooth Extracted?
Since tobacco products, like cigars, cigarettes, and e-cigarettes, can delay healing, you shouldn’t smoke immediately following an extraction. It is recommended that you abstain from smoking for at least five days afterward. However, if you can, you should avoid smoking for at least two weeks. If you have had difficulty quitting in the past, let us know. This way, we can help you prepare in advance.
What Risks Are Involved with Tooth Extractions?
Fortunately, tooth extractions today are considered to be extremely safe. That being said, any dental procedure comes with some risks. For tooth extractions, the primary risk is infection. Dry socket is another risk, as it can be painful and delay the recovery process. To prevent this from happening, we will provide you with an extensive list of aftercare instructions, as well as some common symptoms to look out for.