Dentists do everything they can to save your natural teeth. However, in some cases, we need to remove teeth to improve your oral health. Impacted, infected, and injured teeth may require a tooth extraction in our Groesbeck, TX, dental office. Tooth extractions are a part of general dental care. Removing problem teeth can prevent the spread of dental problems like infections and damage.
Tooth removal is sometimes needed if we cannot preserve natural teeth. We ensure patient comfort throughout extraction procedures. Our office can also provide restorative dental treatment to
Why Do I Need To Remove a Tooth?
We do everything to preserve your natural teeth. However, there could be many reasons why you need a tooth extraction in our Groesbeck, TX office:
- Infected teeth: If you do not receive immediate care for a dental infection, we may be unable to save your natural teeth. Root canal treatments or dental cleanings may be enough to save an infected tooth. However, we may need to remove your tooth if you have an advanced tooth infection. Removing the infected tooth will prevent further infection to other teeth.
- Impacted wisdom teeth: The wisdom teeth are the last teeth to emerge in the mouth. Wisdom teeth grow behind the back molars. If there is not enough room for these teeth to grow, they can emerge at odd angles or dig into the molars. Removing wisdom teeth will also prevent problems like crooked teeth or damaged teeth.
- Injured tooth: We may need to remove a tooth with a large crack or break. Our office will recommend an extraction if you have a large tooth fracture. Sometimes, we cannot restore your tooth if a tooth break is deep enough to reach the gum line.
We will provide dental cleanings, crowns, root canals, or similar treatments to save your tooth before we recommend removal. However, we will ensure you feel comfortable during treatment if you need a tooth removed. Many patients fear pain during tooth extraction, but we offer anesthetic and sedation so you will not feel pain. Ultimately, you will no longer feel pain from your problem tooth or teeth once you heal fully.
Tooth Extraction in Groesbeck, TX
There are two types of tooth extractions: simple and complex extractions. During a simple extraction, we remove a tooth above the gum line. We will provide an anesthetic to numb the treated area. Extracting a tooth can take a few minutes, even for a simple extraction.
Complex extractions remove teeth at or below the gum line. Depending on which teeth we remove, they require more time, even hours. Wisdom tooth extractions are common complex extractions. We will provide sedation for most complex extractions because they will take longer to complete. These extractions may also remove teeth that are not fully erupted.
Tooth Extraction: Post-Op Instructions
After your tooth extraction, you must carefully care for the new extraction sites. Once anesthesia or sedation wears off, it’s normal to experience sensitivity. We will prescribe pain medication for you to take as you heal. You can also eat a soft diet. Eating foods like mashed potatoes, pasta, and yogurt will minimize sensitivity and pain at the sockets.
We will place gauze at these sites to help stop bleeding. Switch out the gauze every thirty minutes or so until you stop bleeding. Eventually, blood clots will form to cover the tooth socket. If these blood clots do not form or are dislodged, you can experience dry socket. This painful condition exposes the bones and nerves in the socket.
Signs of dry socket to look out for include throbbing pain for days after treatment. The best treatment for dry socket is pain medication. This problem will heal on its own.
You can gently brush and floss about 24 hours after your treatment. We recommend rinsing your tooth sockets with water after each meal to prevent food and bacterial buildup.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Learn more about tooth removal with answers to these common questions:
How long does it take to heal from a tooth extraction fully?
It can take up to two weeks to fully heal from an extraction. At this point, the tooth sockets fully close.
What should you avoid after a tooth extraction?
Following your extraction, you should avoid:
- Using a straw
- Drinking alcohol
- Smoking or using tobacco products
- Easting hard or crunchy foods
You can potentially damage the tooth socket or dislodge your blood clots as you heal. Gentle care will help you heal quickly and prevent any complications, including dry socket.
What is the best way to sleep after a tooth extraction?
Sleep on your side with your head elevated. This will increase blood flow to the tooth sockets to quicken healing. Sleeping in this position will also minimize pain and inflammation. Make sure you remove gauze from your mouth before you go to sleep.
Can saltwater rinses help after a tooth extraction?
Yes. A rinse with lukewarm water can help remove debris from the tooth sockets. Saltwater also reduces bacteria in the mouth. Rinsing too forcefully can lead to dry socket. We recommend rinsing gently and waiting 24 hours after treatment before rinsing your mouth.
How can I replace my teeth after an extraction?
Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. Implants use metal posts to replace the tooth roots and can secure crowns, bridges, and dentures. We can recommend the right restoration for you based on how many teeth are missing.
How painful are tooth extractions?
You should not feel anything during the extraction procedure. After the procedure, you may feel soreness or discomfort at the extraction sites. However, we will prescribe pain medication. Eating soft foods and gently cleaning your mouth will also lessen the pain you feel as you heal. Additionally, you can apply a cold compress on your cheek to reduce swelling.
Remove Problem Teeth Today
Do you want to learn more about how to get comfortable tooth extraction treatment in Groesbeck, TX? Call Groesbeck Family Dental at (254) 556-3973. You can also schedule a dental appointment online with Dr. Collins or Dr. Jennings. Please let us know if you have any more questions about tooth removal. We’re here to help.