Your Garland, TX, dentist may remove natural teeth to protect the smile from the complications of issues like infection or wisdom tooth impaction. Once we do that, what happens next? How do we protect people from complications in the healing process, and should these teeth be replaced with bridges or implants? We’re going to talk about this process in today’s blog!
When Do We Extract A Tooth?
We may suggest removing a tooth should a cavity or infection become so severe that infection threatens to reach surrounding teeth or move into the jawbone. Our team also repairs damage so severe that a crown isn’t enough to repair it by removing the tooth. If you have severe misalignment, taking out a tooth may provide room to reposition the others. Teeth loosened by gum disease may need to come out too. However, the most common reason is to prevent the complications of wisdom tooth eruption. Our wisdom teeth are up to our additional molars that arrive in our late teens and early 20s, and could cause a painful partial eruption known as an impaction, as well as infection, damaged teeth, and dental misalignment. To avoid these issues, we may remove them prior to eruption. The process begins with the administration of a local anesthetic and possible sedation as well. Next, we gently remove the teeth with forceps and suture the extraction site closed.
What Happens Next?
When you arrive home, you should begin taking an prescribed medication as recommended. The total recovery period is about a week, and a few simple changes to your daily routine helps prevent complications during the recovery. For the first 24 hours, rinse your mouth with warm salt water after meals, and change your gauze pads when they become soaked. Avoid strenuous exercise and don’t prod the extraction site with your tongue. Remember that cigarettes and other nicotine products could delay healing. Be sure you avoid mouthwash and alcohol, and eat soft foods like pudding, soup, and gelatin as your smile heals. Be sure you brush and floss normally too, but do so gently!
Will My Tooth Need to Be Replaced?
If you lose a tooth to injury, infection, or as a result of poor oral health, then you will have an exposed gap in your smile. Fortunately, we can replace your missing teeth with lifelike prosthetics, including bridges, partial and full dentures, and advanced dental implants.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE EXTRACTION PROCESS?
Our team knows how to not only safely remove a tooth, but ensure a healthy and comfortable healing process. To learn more about removing teeth or replacing lost ones, 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.
