Occasionally, helping our patients in Garland, TX, enjoy optimal oral health means actually removing a natural tooth. We always take steps to ensure those undergoing the process enjoy a comfortable and safe procedure. But when do people need a tooth removed to enjoy optimal oral health? What steps will be taken to ensure our comfort?
When Do We Need One?
A variety of situations could call for removing a natural tooth. For example, an untreated cavity could lead to an infection. Without treatment, the infection could eventually spread to surrounding teeth or move into the jaw. To avoid this, we may remove the tooth in question. Teeth that have become loose due to periodontal disease may also benefit from extraction, as well as damaged too severe to be repaired with crowns or dental bonding.
However, the most common reason to extract a tooth is to address wisdom teeth. Also known as third molars, these erupt in our late teens and early 20s. Without removal, the teeth may become impacted, only partially erupting and increasing the risk of damaged teeth, misalignment, and infection. To preserve your smile’s health and alignment, we may simply remove them prior to eruption.
Sedation and More
How do we ensure a patient’s comfort? In addition to local anesthesia, we may opt for sedation dentistry. We will administer a sedative to help the patient enter a calm and relaxed state, with little to no memory of the procedure at all. A great option for hose that also suffer from dental anxiety. For the extraction process, we will prescribe the deepest level of sedation possible: IV. You will be monitored by an anesthesiologist throughout the entire procedure. We suggest arranging for a friend or family member to bring you home from the office, as the effects will take time to wear off completely.
Aftercare Tips
After the procedure, you will need to take special steps to ensure a fast and effective recovery. For example, always follow the instructions on the antibiotics and pain relievers prescribed to you. In the first 24 hours, be sure you rinse your mouth with salt water after eating and always change your gauze once they become bloody. Resist the temptation to probe the extraction site with your tongue and avoiding smoking, as nicotine slows the healing process. Rest, avoid strenuous activities, and eat soft foods for the first 24 hours. Brush and floss, but do so gently, and finally, avoid mouthwash and alcohol during the healing period.
Does Your Smile Need an Extraction?
Our team will help you enjoy optimal oral health with a safe and comfortable tooth removal. For more information on the tooth removal process, schedule a consultation by calling Mai Dentistry in Garland, TX, today at 972-530-0552. For our patients who don’t speak English, our office is fluent in both Spanish and Vietnamese.
