Tooth Extractions - Woodstock, GA
At Dream Dental, the absolute LAST thing Dr. Haren Patel ever wants to do is remove a patient’s tooth, but sometimes, it’s simply the best thing he can do for their oral and overall health. In these situations, Dr. Patel uses his expert touch and a generous amount of local anesthesia to make sure a patient, no matter their age, is always comfortable during a tooth extraction in Woodstock from beginning to end.
A tooth usually needs to be extracted if:
- It is too damaged or decayed to be restored
- Gum disease has weakened the bone surrounding a tooth to the point that it can’t be supported
- A baby tooth refuses to fall out naturally
- A baby tooth is blocking the path of an erupting adult tooth
- Room needs to be created in the mouth for a denture/orthodontic treatment
- A tooth has become painful, impacted (stuck), or infected (which is what typically happens with the wisdom teeth)
Types of Tooth Extractions
There are two main types of tooth extractions we perform here at Dream Dental: simple and surgical. A simple extraction is performed on a tooth that has already erupted into the mouth. For this, after numbing the area, Dr. Patel will grip the tooth with a pair of dental forceps and gently rock it back and forth until it slips out on its own. That’s right -- we never actually “pull” teeth here! Using this approach, most patients don’t even feel it when their tooth comes out!
A surgical extraction is necessary when a tooth has extensive decay or broken under the gum or difficult to remove with simple extraction procedure. Surgical extraction procedure might require opening of gums, removal of bone and sectioning of tooth and suture placement. Sometimes it is necessary to see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for such procedures including extractions of wisdom teeth. We work with local oral surgeons and can refer you to one if needed.
After a tooth extraction, a patient may experience a little soreness, bleeding, or swelling, but they definitely won’t be in pain. Post-op care and prescription may require depending on the procedure. After extraction, we can quickly work with a patient to help them choose an appropriate replacement.
To learn more about tooth extractions and if you might need one, please contact us today.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
The idea of getting a tooth extracted is never a pleasant one, but knowing as much as possible about what to expect can give you some peace of mind. That is why we have compiled the following frequently asked questions about tooth extractions. If you do not see the information you were hoping to find, you are always welcome to contact us so we can communicate with you directly.
What Can I Eat After a Tooth Extraction?
In the days after your tooth is removed, you should stick to eating soft foods, like soup, applesauce, and smoothies. It’s even okay to indulge in a little ice cream (as long as the ice cream doesn’t have hard or crunchy treats buried in it). Depending on the type of extraction you undergo, you might be able to return to your normal eating habits within a few days to a week.
Is There a Danger of Complications After Tooth Extractions?
The risk of complications after tooth extractions in Woodstock is quite small. In rare cases, an individual may experience a condition known as dry socket, wherein the blood clot at the extraction site gets dislodged or never forms properly in the first place. You can reduce your risk of dry socket by eating soft foods, not smoking, and not using straws.
If you ever experience any extreme or unusual pain at your extraction site, get in touch with our team right away. We will make room in our schedule to see you as soon as possible.
How Soon Can I Get My Teeth Replaced After an Extraction?
If it will be possible to replace your extracted teeth, we can discuss replacement options with you right away. However, the timeline for getting a dental implant, fixed bridge, or other prosthetic is difficult to predict because so many different factors are involved in determining a course of treatment. It might be a matter of weeks before your smile is complete again, or you may have to wait for several months.
Can I Be Sedated for Tooth Extractions?
In our office, we offer both nitrous oxide sedation and oral conscious sedation. If you would like to take advantage of either of these during your extraction procedure, be sure to let us know. Sedation is safe for most patients and may be particularly desirable if you are undergoing surgical extractions or multiple extractions in a single appointment.
Are There Any Alternative Treatments Available?
It is understandable that you may not want to have any of your teeth extracted. That is why Dr. Patel, your dentist in Woodstock, will consider any possible alternatives before he recommends extraction. For example, in some cases, it is possible to save a damaged tooth with root canal therapy and a crown. In other instances, however, extraction is simply the best course of action.