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Sometimes, teeth need to be extracted because they have been damaged or decayed to a point that they cannot be saved. Miller’s Family Dentistry offers tooth extraction services in a friendly and comforting environment. The information below will help prepare you for a quick and pain-free experience.
There are various reasons why you might need to have your teeth extracted. Some common ones include:
Severe infection or tooth decay
When an infected or severely decayed tooth is not treated promptly, it will continue to spread bacteria into surrounding tissues and cause more damage. When this happens, the tooth cannot be saved and must be removed to prevent further harm.
Impacted wisdom tooth
Wisdom teeth often grow crookedly and interfere with other teeth. They also tend to get stuck below the gums, causing pain and discomfort. In this case, the wisdom tooth needs to be removed to prevent any future problems.
Advanced periodontal disease
Periodontal disease causes gum tissue around the roots of teeth to break down. This leads to pockets between the teeth and gums where harmful bacteria can thrive. Eventually, the bone supporting the tooth begins to deteriorate, which makes it very difficult to save the tooth. In this case, it is best to remove the affected tooth.
Orthodontic treatment purposes
In some cases, patients may need one or more teeth extracted before putting on braces.
Two types of procedures are involved in tooth extraction: simple and surgical. A simple extraction involves using a special tool to loosen the tooth from its socket. The dentist then removes the tooth using dental tools. Surgical extraction requires a longer process. First, the dentist uses local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. Then they open up the gum tissue and carefully remove the tooth. Finally, the dentist closes the wound and applies a bandage to help heal the area.
Once the tooth has been removed, the dentist will clean out the space left behind. Afterward, you will receive instructions on how to care for your mouth after the procedure. You may be given antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
During the first 24 hours after tooth extraction, you should keep up with good oral health routines to avoid any post-surgery complications. You should avoid eating anything hard that could damage the extraction site. Instead, try soft foods such as applesauce, pudding, yogurt, or mashed potatoes. It is essential to drink plenty of water during this period. You should also put an ice pack in the extraction area to help reduce the swelling.
You may experience mild swelling and tenderness in the area of the surgery. These symptoms usually go away within a few days. However, if you notice redness, excess bleeding, fever, or severe pain, contact us for a follow-up appointment.
Whether you need a simple tooth extraction, wisdom teeth removal, or a full smile makeover, our dental team at Miller’s Family Dentistry is here to serve you. We offer affordable family dentistry that helps patients look their best and feel comfortable while maintaining good dental health. If you’re interested in learning more about our dental surgery services or scheduling an appointment, call our dental office today!
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