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If you’re scheduled for a tooth extraction in the upcoming months, or you’ve been thinking about one, OASIS Modern Dentistry & Orthodontics in Houston is more than ready to assist you.
Reasons for a Tooth Extraction
There are several reasons why a tooth may need to be pulled. Some common reasons are:
- Crowding: In some cases, patients simply have too many teeth in their mouth. Some teeth may not be able to emerge because of a lack of space. For patients that may be considering orthodontics, a crowded mouth can make it almost impossible to properly align the teeth. If this is the case, Dr. Arthur may recommend a tooth extraction to make room in the mouth.
- Damaged Teeth: At times, teeth may be damaged beyond repair. This may occur if severe trauma or decay has happened to the tooth.
- Periodontal Disease: If infection due to gum disease has caused the teeth to become loose in the sockets, it may be in the patient’s best interest to pull the teeth.
Dental Extraction Procedure
During a typical extraction, a local anesthetic will be injected before beginning the procedure. Depending on the patient, a heavier sedation method may be applied during this time as well.
This anesthetic will numb the area where the tooth will be extracted. The tooth will be elevated and grasped by dental instruments, then rocked back and forth to loosen the tooth so it can be removed.
Gauze will be applied following the tooth removal, and Dr. Arthur may even apply self-dissolving stitches to the area.
Tips for Recovery
When recovering from a tooth extraction in Houston, TX, it’s important to treat your mouth with extreme care. If painkillers are prescribed from OASIS Modern Dentistry & Orthodontics, be sure to take these according to the instructions on the packet. You may find it beneficial to ice the area as well.
If treated with care, you’ll soon forget you ever had a tooth extracted!
FAQs
A dental extraction is the elimination of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. It may be necessary due to decay, infection, crowding, or trauma.
A tooth extraction is needed when a tooth is severely decayed, infected, broken beyond repair, or causing overcrowding or gum disease.
Tooth extractions are not painful because the area is numbed with local anesthesia. Some unease and swelling may occur after the procedure, which is manageable with medication.
A simple extraction removes a visible tooth using forceps, while a surgical extraction involves cutting into the gum and possibly removing bone to extract a tooth that is broken or impacted.
Recovery usually takes a few days to a week. Most people return to normal activities within 48 to 72 hours, but complete healing may take up to two weeks.
Avoid smoking, drinking through straws, spitting, or eating hard foods for at least 24–48 hours after extraction to prevent dry sockets and aid healing.
A dry socket is a painful condition that takes place when the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged or dissolves too early. Avoiding straws, smoking, and vigorous rinsing helps prevent it.
Yes, but stick to soft, cool foods like yogurt or mashed potatoes for the first 24 hours. Gradually reintroduce solid foods as the site heals.
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