Tooth extraction is often referred to as pulling a tooth and is the procedure where a tooth is removed entirely.
If you have a tooth that has been severely damaged due to injury, accident, or decay, it may need to be extracted. Some teeth that are damaged or decayed may be treated effectively with a filling, but teeth that are too damaged to be repaired must be removed. Tooth extraction is often referred to as pulling a tooth and is the procedure where a tooth is removed entirely. While every effort is made to conserve and preserve your natural teeth, there are simply some cases in which a tooth or teeth must be extracted.
Implant Dentistry and Periodontics understands the issues and benefits around a tooth extraction. We offer an expansive scope of periodontal and dental implant services that can benefit patients of all ages. Our conscientious staff concentrates on providing the appropriate service for your overall oral health. We will address your dental procedure in a stress-free environment, and we will approach your unique and personal dental care as an important partner on your health care team. If you have questions about the pros and cons of a tooth extraction, call our Indianapolis office at 317-574-0600 or our Fishers office at 317-842-2273 to schedule your appointment today.
Are You a Candidate for a Tooth Extraction?
In addition to excessive decay or damage, a tooth may need to be extracted due to the overcrowding or an overabundance of teeth. If your tooth is infected, it may also have to be extracted. A common tooth extraction in adults is the removal of wisdom teeth. Tooth extraction may also be required in a child if a baby tooth does not fall out in time for the permanent tooth to erupt. In a child with overcrowding, the permanent teeth may not come in properly, which will cause the teeth to shift or become crooked. If your child is getting braces, they may need to have teeth extracted to create room for the teeth that will then straighten into place.
Tooth Extraction Dry Sockets
Dry sockets can form when the area where the extraction takes place does not form a proper blood clot. If this occurs, your healing process will take longer. If you develop a dry socket you will begin to feel moderate to severe throbbing pain 3-4 days after the procedure has taken place. You may also develop a bad taste in their mouth. Dry sockets will usually heal on their own, or Implant Dentistry and Periodontics can help by placing a sedative medicine in the extraction site.
At Implant Dentistry and Periodontics, we offer a wide range of periodontal and dental implant services. Our caring and compassionate team has one collective priority and that is your smile.
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Tooth Extraction After Care
To facilitate proper healing, it is essential to follow the post-procedure instructions Implant Dentistry and Periodontics provides you. Eat soft foods and try to avoid physical activity for at least two or three days. It is also important that you refrain from smoking.
It is quite common for mild bleeding to occur following your procedure. Just place gauze over the socket and replace it every 30-45 minutes until your bleeding stops. It is also normal to experience some swelling following your procedure. If you have swelling, use ice packs for 20-minute increments, with a 20-minute break between. This approach will make the swelling subside quicker.
Once you have fully recovered, the best thing you can do is to continue practicing good oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth twice daily and for at least two minutes each time and continue flossing regularly.
Along with these important at home care practices, compliment your preventative measures with a six-month checkup at Implant Dentistry and Periodontics. During these routine checkups, we will be able to conduct deep cleanings and monitor the overall state of your oral health, identifying issues before they develop. By maintaining these habits, you will be well on your way to preventing additional issues from developing.
The Tooth Extraction Process
Most teeth can be removed at Implant Dentistry and Periodontics using a simple extraction technique if they have erupted and are visible. To begin a simple tooth extraction, we will administer a local anesthetic to numb the immediate area around the tooth that is being extracted. It is normal to feel a slight sensation of pressure when having a tooth removed. Dental tools will be used to slowly elevate the tooth out of its socket. We will then use forceps to firmly grasp the tooth and fully extract it. Gauze will then be utilized to control the bleeding from the open socket.
Some teeth require a surgical extraction to be removed properly. A surgical tooth extraction is commonly performed on wisdom teeth because wisdom teeth are often impacted and have not erupted. Surgical extraction is also performed on a tooth that has broken off at the gum line or that has not erupted. Anesthesia is used and possibly some additional dental sedation during surgical tooth extraction to ensure your comfort. A small incision will be made in the gum line where the surgical tooth extraction will take place. After the tooth or teeth are surgically extracted, sutures will be applied to the incisions to promote healing. We may ask you to gently bite down on a gauze pad until the bleeding stops.
Earning your Trust with High Quality Periodontal Care
When you schedule an evaluation for a tooth extraction procedure with our thorough staff at Implant Dentistry and Periodontics, you will be impressed with the level of professionalism in our office and the advanced dental technology at our disposal. We are thoughtful and thorough because we understand how totally unique and different each situation is. We are both conscientious and detail orientated in creating your personalized treatments, to ensure success that works for your desires and budget. The entire team focuses on the regaining your healthy smile, so every dental procedure we perform is with your best interests and oral health in mind.
At Implant Dentistry and Periodontics, our clinic has a relaxing and calming atmosphere, and we want you to be confident with our abilities and services. Scheduling an appointment for a tooth extraction is an important step towards being proactive in your oral health and regaining your healthy smile, healthy teeth, and gums. To schedule an appointment, call our Indianapolis office, 8801 North Meridian St., Suite 103, Indianapolis, at 317-574-0600 or our Fishers office, 9885 E. 116th St, Suite 300, Fishers, at 317-842-2273.