Professional Tooth Extractions in Ballantyne
You and Dr. Patel may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.
The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.
To avoid these complications, in most cases, Dr. Patel will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth.
The Tooth Extraction Process
At the time of extraction the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jawbone and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic.
During the extraction process you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.
You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected.
If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away.
What does it mean to section a tooth?
Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. The doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections then removes each section one at a time.
After Tooth Extraction: Home Care
Bleeding
Some bleeding may occur. Placing a piece of moist clean gauze over the empty tooth socket and biting down firmly for a few minutes can control this. You will be given a packet with some streile guaze after your procedure to take home.
Important notice:
This is an important part of the healing process and you must be careful not to dislodge the clot. Please, follow the instrcution below for first 48-72 hours following your surgery:
- Avoid forcefull rinsing or spitting.
- Avoid using a straw
- Avoid smoking
- Avoid heavy physical activites (i.e. running, playing sports, etc.)
- Avoid touching the extraction area with dirty fingers
Swelling
If swelling occurs you can place ice on your face for 10 minutes and off for 20 minutes. Repeat this cycle as you feel necessary for up to 24 hours.
Pain and Medications
All necessary pain relieving medications will be prescribed after your surgery. We may or may not require you to take antibiotics.
Ibuprofens (such as Advil, Motrin, or Aleve) may temporarily help alleviate your pain as well.
Eating
For most extractions just make sure you do your chewing away from the extraction site. Stay away from hot liquids and alcoholic beverages for 24 hours. A liquid diet may be recommended for 24 hours.
Brushing and Cleaning
After the extraction avoid brushing the teeth near the extraction site for one to two day. After that you can resume gentle cleaning. Avoid commercial mouth rinses, as they tend to irritate the site. Beginning 24 hours after the extraction you can rinse with mild salt water (1/2 teaspoon in a cup of water) after meals and before bed.
Dry Socket
Dry socket occurs when a blood clot fails to form in the socket where the tooth has been extracted or the clot has been dislodged, and the healing is significantly delayed.
Following the post extraction instructions will reduce the chances of developing dry socket. Dry sockets manifest themselves as a severe dull throbbing pain, which doesn’t appear until three or four days after the extraction. The pain can be moderate to severe and radiate from the extraction area. Dry socket may cause a bad taste or bad breath and the extraction site appears dry.
Please contact us immediately if you believe you may have this condition.
Healing
After a tooth has been extracted there will be a resulting hole in your jawbone where the tooth was. In time, this will smooth and fill in with bone. This process can take a few weeks.
If you have any questions or concerns.
What Our Patients Say
For years I wanted to straighten my smile. I finally made the decision to do the Invisalign through Dr. Patel's practice- Premier Dentistry and I am so glad that I did. He was so knowledgeable and the entire process only ended up taking about a year. I can now smile and not feel self conscious about my teeth. Thanks so much to Dr. Patel and his entire team at Premier Dentistry!
Dr. Patel is the best dentist I have ever gone to. He is very professional in that he leads the way in modern dentistry and is always ahead in new techniques and products so he will always find a solution for your situation and you always leave his office happy.
Virginia Mitchell
The office and staff are amazing! I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
Jackma Kalin
I always have a great experience every time I come to this dentist. Their facilities are clean and modern and I love the TV's you can watch above you while having your teeth worked on (it's a nice distraction!). Both Caroline and Dr. Patel are super friendly and gentle when doing their work. It's also nice to receive text message reminders about your upcoming appointment and I like the free water offered at the front.
