As we will discuss in today’s blog, often removing a tooth is key for protecting the health and function of your smile. But once your Garland, TX, dentist removes a tooth, what then? We’re going to look at how we remove teeth and ensure your comfort throughout the process, and how we help facilitate a successful and complication-free healing process as well.
The Extraction Process
To begin, we will need to administer a numbing agent to the area around the tooth. We will then offer dental sedation, such as IV sedation. Throughout the procedure, a trained anesthesiologist will monitor your vitals. The dentist will then open the area above the teeth if you’re having wisdom teeth removed, or simply rock them free and extract them with forceps. After we extract the tooth, we will suture the area. The sedation will take time to wear off, so you should arrange for a friend or family member to bring you home.
Recovery
Once you return home, you will have detailed instructions for care. For example, you will need to take the pain relievers and antibiotics as prescribed, following the directions exactly. After you eat, you should rinse your mouth with salt water for the first 24 hours. We suggest avoiding alcohol and mouthwash for the first week, and don’t probe the area with your tongue. If you smoke, you need to avoid products with nicotine, as this could have a negative impact on the healing process.
In addition, be sure you change your gauze pads before they become soaked, and get plenty of rest. Start with soft foods, such as soup or pudding, and work your way gradually to solid foods. You still need to brush and floss, but do so very gently.
When Does a Tooth Need to Be Removed?
If you have wisdom teeth poised to erupt, we may remove them to prevent painful impaction, damaged teeth, infection, or misalignment. If you have an uneven smile, often removing a tooth makes room to properly reposition the others. We may also need to extract a tooth that is severely infected or damaged. If you have a gap in your smile afterward, we can discuss eventual replacement options, such as a dental bridge or a dental implant. If you have any questions about the extraction process, then contact our team today to learn more.
Do You Need a Dental Extraction?
If you have severe gum disease, or emerging wisdom teeth, then removing a tooth may help. To learn more about how we ensure a safe and comfortable dental extraction, then 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.
