Tooth Extraction 101: When is it Done and What Can You Expect

When you have severely decayed teeth, a dentist near you may suggest a tooth extraction. While it is a routine dental procedure, tooth extraction in McKinney, TX, is only done when necessary.

When is Tooth Extraction Done?

Our primary goal is to preserve your teeth, gums, and oral health. This means if there is a way that the teeth can be preserved, we focus on that. However, several conditions can warrant a trip to a tooth removal dentist and they include:

• Severely decayed teeth

Decay develops in stages, and if you have a mild version, the dentist may opt for teeth fillings. If the decay spreads to the inner part of the teeth, a root canal procedure may be done. This procedure is done to remove the infected pulp to stop the spread of the infection and save the teeth.

But, if the decay has spread and has caused damage to the crown, tooth extraction may be needed to stop the spread and damage.

• Impacted teeth

Wisdom teeth are the most affected as they often come out after the jaw has attained full maturity. Sometimes the teeth can emerge and fit in the jaw. However, in most cases, the teeth are trapped underneath the gums. Impacted teeth are a source of pain and discomfort. Furthermore, they can cause the surrounding teeth to weaken. A wisdom teeth extraction is necessary to remove the teeth and prevent weakening of the teeth.

• As part of periodontal treatment

Periodontal disease causes the gums to recede, which exposes the roots and increases the risk of decay. As the infection advances, the supporting bone (alveolar) may get damaged. The dentist may perform a tooth extraction as part of the treatment to stop the damage on the bone.

• Overcrowding

Overcrowded teeth develop when you have narrow jaws and the teeth emerge on top of each other. Overcrowding is a dental challenge because it can negatively affect your oral health. Also, they cause teeth to become misaligned. The dentist may remove the excess teeth in preparation for orthodontic or teeth alignment treatment.

How is Tooth Extraction Done?

The teeth removal process can be either simple or surgical, depending on the visibility of the teeth. Simple teeth extraction is done on visible teeth, and it lasts for about 30 minutes. The tooth removal dentist near you, will use forceps to loosen and pull the teeth.

Surgical teeth extraction is used on the impacted teeth that lie underneath the gums. The dentist will make an incision to open the gums and access the teeth. The impacted teeth may be broken into small pieces for easy extraction.

What Can You Expect After the Procedure?

You can expect pain and discomfort as the anesthesia begins to wear out. There will also be bleeding, swelling, and gum soreness a few hours after the procedure.

24 hours after the procedure, a blood clot will form on the socket to facilitate healing. It is important to protect the blood clot, because if it breaks, it will slow the healing and also cause pain and bad breath.

Swelling and soreness will reduce in two or three days, but if it does not go down, it is crucial to visit a dentist near you for assessment.

Call the dentist if you have signs of infection like fever and chills, nausea, vomiting, cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain.

What Are the Aftercare Instructions?

The dentist will give you aftercare instructions to facilitate healing.

• Take the medication as prescribed to ease pain and prevent infection.
• Use a gauze pad to stop bleeding.
• Apply a cold pack on the affected area to keep the swelling down.
• Avoid using a straw to drink to prevent dislodging the blood clot.
• Avoid rinsing or spitting forcefully 24 hours after the procedure.
• Eat soft foods in the first few days until the gum swelling eases.
• Avoid smoking before and after the procedure.
• Sleep in an elevated position to stop bleeding and pain.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Arte Dental in McKinney for more information about the tooth extraction procedure and what you can expect during and after. Call us right now to book an appointment with our tooth removal dentist near you. We also welcome patients residing in Boxwood Lane, Fenton, St Michelle Ln, Lakewood Drive, Provine Road, Deer Run Drive, Monte Vista Lane, Landmark Drive, Dunbar Drive, and surrounding communities.