What Is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is the removal of a damaged or decayed tooth when there is no other means of preserving it. While THRIVE Dental strives to preserve natural teeth whenever possible, there are some situations in which extraction is the only viable option for taking care of a tooth problem and preserving oral health.
When Is an Extraction Necessary?
Situations that may necessitate a dental extraction include:
- Advanced tooth decay—extraction may be the only viable option if a tooth has decayed beyond the restorative power of a filling or root canal.
- Overcrowding of teeth—this can occur when wisdom teeth come in and there is not enough room in the mouth to accommodate them. Extractions can prevent overcrowding as well as dangerous infections that can occur when a wisdom tooth becomes impacted.
- Orthodontic needs—tooth alignment treatments such as braces and aligners may require tooth extraction.
- Damaged teeth—when a tooth is cracked or shattered in an accident, extraction may be the best means of removing it and protecting you from further harm.
We do not take the decision to extract a tooth lightly. We always explore all viable options for preserving damaged and decayed teeth. When an extraction is necessary, we handle it with the utmost care and attention to detail, sparing our patient from pain and discomfort to the greatest possible extent.
Types of Tooth Extractions
There are two main types of dental extraction, simple and surgical.
Simple Dental Extractions
When a tooth is fully grown and intact, it is typically possible to remove it via a simple extraction. A dentist can generally carry out a simple extraction by moving a tooth back and forth until it is loose enough to be removed with dental forceps. In most cases, local anesthetic provides adequate and full pain prevention during a simple extraction.
Surgical Dental Extractions
A surgical tooth extraction may be necessary when a tooth is broken below the gumline or has failed to grow above the gumline at all. Surgical extractions are more invasive than dental extractions, but patients can be spared from pain and discomfort through sedation.
Taking the Stress Out of Removing a Tooth
No one looks forward to having a tooth pulled, but there are things you can do that can help you take the stress and anxiety out of the situation.
If asking questions of your dental team puts your mind at ease, we encourage you to do so. We will provide you with the information you need about this procedure and what you can expect during and after the process.
Come dressed for comfort and prepared to stay for a while. You may want to lie down after your procedure.
You will also want to avoid eating before your tooth removal procedure. Depending on the type of extraction, you may need to fast as much as 12 hours in advance.
Your dentist will let you know the specific ways you should prepare based on the type of procedure you are having.
Recovering After a Tooth Removal Procedure
Once your tooth extraction is complete, we will provide you with detailed instructions on how best to recover. A few things that will aid in your recovery include:
- Applying gauze pads to the extraction site
- Limiting your diet to soft foods until the extraction site has healed
- Chewing only on the side of your mouth opposite the extraction site
- Using painkillers and ice to help with discomfort and swelling
- Resting for a few days
We want this process to go as smoothly for you as possible and will be here to answer your questions and address any concerns you might have during the recovery period.
Replacing Extracted Teeth
We can help you explore all available options for having an extracted tooth replaced.
A dental implant can provide you with a permanent solution that restores your smile while preventing the weakening of your jawbone that can occur after a tooth extraction.
Whether you opt for a tooth implant, a dental bridge, or other tooth replacement option, we can help you restore the full appearance and function you had before you lost your tooth.
Contact a Dental Extraction Expert
Whether you have the luxury of planning a tooth removal procedure in advance or are in need of urgent treatment, we are here to meet your needs. With offices in Frisco, Allen, Sachse, Richardson, and Dallas, we can provide you with dental tooth extraction services at a location convenient to you.
Book an appointment or contact us to discuss your dental and oral health needs with a member of our team.
