Tooth Extractions – Gainesville, GA
Safe Tooth Removal That Protects Your Smile’s Health
While Dr. Her does everything he can to avoid extracting teeth, sometimes doing so is necessary if your overall oral health is at risk. Regardless of the reasons for recommending tooth extractions in Gainesville, GA, our dental office works hard to create a comfortable and relaxing environment. We’ll always make sure you know exactly what to expect prior to your treatment and discuss your needs. To learn more about the process, feel free to call Dr. Her and the team at Lifetime Dental of Gainesville today!
Why Choose Lifetime Dental of Gainesville for Tooth Extractions?
- Multiple Dental Sedation Options Available
- Same-Day Emergency Dental Care Prioritized
- Dental Implant Tooth Replacement Performed In-House
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
We always do our utmost to save teeth via restorative procedures, but if a tooth is severely damaged by decay or physical trauma, trying to restore the tooth can do more harm than good. Additionally, there are instances where teeth are actively interfering with your mouth’s other oral structures. If teeth become impacted, it means they are trapped underneath existing teeth, leading to an infection beneath the gum tissue. If you intend on pursuing orthodontic treatment or need a denture placed, we may also extract teeth if they would interfere with that process.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
Rest assured that before we begin removing a tooth, your dentist in Gainesville will help you feel fully comfortable. We’ll be sure to numb your mouth with a potent local anesthetic to minimize any discomfort that you might feel. If you need some help relaxing in the dental chair, we can talk to you about our sedation options.
There are two basic types of tooth extractions: simple and surgical. We’ll perform a simple extraction if the tooth has fully erupted from the gums. After numbing your mouth, we clasp the tooth with a special instrument and gently rock it back and forth until it breaks free.
If the tooth is impacted, it will require a surgical extraction. With surgical tooth extractions, Dr. Her will typically need to perform an additional step beyond rocking the tooth free. He may create a small incision in the gum tissue or drill slightly into the jawbone to access more of the tooth. He might even have to break the tooth into smaller sections and remove them one by one. Each patient’s situation differs, and we’ll be happy to go over the details if you would like.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
After we have finished removing your tooth, we’ll outline what you can expect during the recovery process, which will include a pain management plan using over-the-counter and/or prescription medications. Holding a cold compress to your cheek can also help reduce pain as well as swelling; just be sure to only do so in ten-minute intervals. Additionally, we’ll instruct you on how to change out your gauze pads and how to minimize bleeding. You’ll want to stick to a soft food diet for the first couple of days. You should also avoid smoking, spitting forcefully, blowing your nose, and drinking through a straw. These activities can all dislodge the blood clot developing over the extraction site, causing pain and delaying the healing process.
Tooth Extractions FAQs
Are you in need of a tooth extraction in Gainesville? You may be nervous about the procedure, so we’re here to help. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about tooth extractions. If you don’t see that information that you’re looking for below, don’t worry! Give us a call and we’d be more than happy to answer your questions and help you feel more comfortable about your upcoming procedure.
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
Many patients are hesitant to commit to treatment because they’re worried that the procedure will hurt. Fortunately, our first step is always numbing the area with a local anesthetic. While you shouldn’t feel a thing during the procedure itself, you are likely to experience some soreness for a few days afterwards. Closely follow your aftercare instructions to prevent infection and promote quick healing. If your pain worsens or you begin exhibiting signs of infection, give us a call.
Can I Leave the Space Empty After a Tooth Extraction?
If the tooth that is being pulled is in the back of the mouth, many patients think that they don’t need to have it replaced. After all, if no one can see it, why replace it? The truth is that your teeth do much more than just contribute to the beauty of your smile. They are essential for chewing properly and enunciating clearly. Just one missing back tooth can make it difficult to chew, leading to poor nutrition and indigestion. It is recommended that when you’re done healing, you schedule an appointment with your dentist to find a tooth replacement option that’s right for you.
How Long After a Tooth Extraction Can I Get Dentures?
It takes around six to eight weeks to get your dentures. Once you’ve healed completely, you dentist will take impressions of your mouth which will be used to craft your dentures. During this time, they will make note of the ideal size, shape, and shade of your replacement teeth. Once your dentures are ready, your dentist will have you try them on, and teach you how to care for them properly.
What Risks Are Involved with Tooth Extractions?
Luckily, tooth extractions today are considered to be extremely safe. However, procedures of any kind come with some risks. For tooth extractions, the primary one is infection, which can spread when left untreated. Dry socket is another risk, which can be painful and delay the recovery process. To prevent issues like these, your dentist will provide you with specific aftercare instructions, as well as a few common symptoms to look out for. This way, if anything changes in your healing process, we can address it right away.