Tooth Extractions Waco

When Are Tooth Extractions Necessary?

You can expect that only in the most serious of circumstances will a tooth extraction be suggested. The reason is that natural teeth are much better for your smile than artificial ones. However, if this type of procedure is necessary, it’s likely because of one of the following reasons:

• Overcrowding: If you need braces, tooth extraction can be helpful in the process of improving your smile. Depending on the severity of your case, we can remove a tooth or several teeth before you start orthodontic work.
• Dental Infection: When an infection reaches the inner layers of your tooth, a root canal is the most commonly suggested method of treatment; however, if the damage or decay is too severe, it may be necessary to extract the tooth.
• Gum Disease: If advanced periodontitis is the culprit, you will begin to notice your jawbone weakening and teeth becoming loose. This will result in a tooth extraction.

Other reasons for a tooth extraction include a cavity being too large for a filling or dental crown, or the tooth enamel being severely damaged, it can’t be put back together.

The Tooth Extraction Process

Before the extraction, we will administer local anesthesia or sedation to ensure you are comfortable and feel no pain throughout the procedure. Depending on the type of removal, whether it is simple or surgical, you can expect our team to give you the highest level of quality care.

For a simple extraction, the dentist in Waco will use a special tool to gently move the tooth back and forth until it detaches. A surgical extraction will require them to make an incision in the gums and possibly remove some of the bone around the tooth before extracting it in pieces.

Post-Operative Tooth Extraction Care

Once a tooth is extracted, you will need to make sure you spend some time recovering at home. For your mouth to heal properly, there are steps you’ll need to take, including:

• Immediately after surgery, you’ll bite down on gauze to encourage clotting and reduce bleeding.
• Taking antibiotics and prescribed pain medication to alleviate discomfort.
• Resting to allow your body and your mouth to properly heal.
• Eating soft foods.
• Not chewing on the side of the extraction site.
• Continuing to brush and floss but avoiding the surgical site until it has healed.
• Using a cold compress to reduce swelling.