Tooth Extractions
Plano, TX
Tooth extractions is one of the procedures most dreaded by patients in dentistry. Worry and anxiety surround all surgeries, whether it’s to do with the mouth, or other parts of the body. McDonald DDS wants you to know that tooth removal is one of the last things you need to worry about. The tooth removal procedure is simple, routine, safe, and happens to most adults sometime in their life.
At McDonald DDS, we will always try first to save a patient’s tooth and avoid tooth extraction, but sometimes it is just necessary to pull the affected tooth. Whether you have a dental emergency or the tooth just needs to come out due to an infection or excessive decay, our dentists offer both gentle and effective tooth extractions along with treatment remedies to help you treat the situation.
Reasons for Tooth Removal
One of the main reasons for tooth removal is when a tooth becomes severely affected by tooth decay and requires removal. Root canal treatments are usually the first line of defense, in order to attempt to save the tooth. Tooth decay can become dangerous and spread, and when a tooth becomes compromised, it can worsen the hygiene of the rest of the mouth. Infections and decay in the mouth can spread to the rest of the body as well, so if you have a decayed tooth, it is important to have it treated as soon as possible. Your oral health can affect your overall health.
Teeth that no longer receive a supply of blood, also known as dead teeth, or baby teeth that have not fallen out, are among other reasons for needing a tooth removed. There are many reasons why a tooth needs to be removed, and our dentists can properly assess if one of your teeth needs removing. Our dentists will only advise a tooth removal if there is no other way to save the tooth. It is our last resort, as we will try, first, to do everything we can to save the tooth. Once you start losing teeth, whatever the reason, it starts to affect the neighboring teeth. Teeth will begin to shift out of place, bone loss can occur, and empty pockets in our mouths are places where food and bacteria can harbor.
Gentle Tooth Extractions
We know that getting a tooth pulled can be scary, but we do not want you to be afraid to have the procedure done. Our dentists have plenty of experience, gently pulling teeth from the mouths of both children and adults, ensuring a painless and safe procedure with fast healing. We are happy to answer any questions you have before the tooth extraction procedure to ensure your comfort.
The tooth extraction process itself is painless. We start by numbing the affected areas of your mouth with a topical numbing solution before we administer the anesthetic. This way, you do not even feel the needle when we administer the anesthetic. Once your mouth is numb, our expert dentists will remove the affected tooth. All that you will feel is a little pressure as we remove the tooth and seal the socket. Once we are done, your mouth may feel a little numb for a few hours, but you can go about your normal routine shortly after that.
If needed, patients can be put under general anesthesia, particularly children, but this varies from case to case.
The Risk of Dry Socket
Many people worry about the side effects or risks of tooth extraction, but our dentists take all of the necessary precautions to avoid them. One common issue that patients face, though, is dry socket. When a blood clot does not form, the jawbone becomes exposed. It can be painful and risky, but our dentists know how to handle the situation right away. If you experience a dry socket, call us immediately, and we will dress the area with a sedative to treat the area.
Luckily, less than five percent of patients experience dry socket, so it is not something that you should let get in your way should you need a tooth extraction. Typically, leaving the infected or affected tooth in place and avoiding the extraction poses a greater danger than the tooth extraction itself.
Other Risks of Tooth Extraction
Like any other dental procedure, there are some minimal risks you may face with a tooth extraction, such as an infection or bleeding profusely. Our dentists know the signs to watch for, and we can help you, should you experience any of these side effects. We will give you detailed instructions on the aftercare and help you understand what signs to watch out for should anything occur.
Dealing with Impacted Teeth
Sometimes a simple tooth extraction is not enough. If your tooth is impacted, which means stuck under the gum line, you may need and require a surgical extraction. While this type of tooth removal procedure is more invasive, it is a minor procedure that will remove an infected tooth, reducing the risk of other issues occurring as a result of the infection.
After Care
After your tooth is pulled, ice packs will be suggested to reduce the swelling of the mouth. Cold and soft foods are advised as they will not provoke the inflamed area. Painkillers will be provided to help ease the pain. Symptoms will likely take seven to ten days to completely go away. For the first 24 hours, you cannot smoke or drink alcohol. You also cannot brush the affected area or rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours. If you are unsure of any details, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us. Generally, patients can get back to their normal routine within 24-48 hours.
If you’re suffering from a toothache, please do not wait any longer to book an appointment with McDonald DDS. Let us take a look and investigate the root cause of your dental problem. There is no need to remain in pain or discomfort any longer. Call us at (469) 649-0699 today.
|
