Tooth Extractions Arlington, TX
Good oral hygiene should always be practiced since the loss of a single tooth can have major impact upon your oral health and appearance. Although dentists will use every measure to prevent tooth loss, there still sometimes necessary occasions when a tooth may need to be extracted.
A tooth may need to be extracted if the following occurs:
- Severe decay
- Advanced periodontal disease
- Infection or abcess
- Orthodontic correction
- Malpositioned teeth
- Fractured teeth or roots
- Impacted teeth
After careful examination and treatment, Dr. Daggula may advise to have a tooth extracted. Before a tooth is removed, she may take an x-ray in order to understand the shape and position of the tooth and surrounding bone. Based on the degree of difficulty, she may refer you to a specialist called an oral surgeon.
Extraction Procedure
For a simple extraction performed at our Arlington dental office, Dr. Daggula will first apply a local anesthetic to prevent pain and discomfort. After the tooth (or teeth) is removed, you may be asked to bite down softly on a piece of gauze for 30 to 45 minutes after you leave the office, to limit any bleeding while clotting takes place.
It is critical to keep the extraction area clean to prevent infection. For the next 24 hours, you shouldn’t smoke, rinse your mouth vigorously, use any alcohol (even mouth wash), or brush teeth directly next to the extraction site.
A certain amount of pain and discomfort is to be expected following an extraction, but it will normally go away after a few days. Pain can be minimized by taking an over-the-counter pain medication and using ice packs applied to the face for 15 minutes at a time. Prescription medications is also available if needed.
If you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or fever call our office immediately: (817) 465-0355.
FAQs About Tooth Extractions
When is a tooth extraction necessary?
A tooth extraction is necessary when a diseased tooth threatens a person’s oral health. Badly decayed and damaged teeth can become infected. This infection can spread to other tissue, including bone and neighboring teeth.
Other common reasons a tooth may require extraction is when wisdom teeth emerge, if space is needed for orthodontic treatment, or if a person is born with supernumerary (extra) teeth.
How long do I need to wait to eat or drink following a tooth extraction?
Your dentist will provide instructions on what to eat and drink after your procedure. Most of the time, patients can drink cold or lukewarm liquids and eat soft foods like pudding a few hours after their tooth extractions.
Will I be able to work after my tooth is removed?
When it comes to simple tooth extractions, many people can return to work the day after their tooth is removed. Those who work in physically demanding professions or those who received more complex care may need more time to recover before resuming normal activities..
What should I avoid after a tooth extraction?
There are a few things you should avoid after a tooth extraction, including foods with sharp edges. Following your procedure, you should adopt a liquid diet and gradually incorporate soft foods such as mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. Hard food could irritate extraction sites.
In addition to consuming liquids and soft foods, avoid anything that is very hot in temperature as hot items could dissolve the blood clot that forms over an empty tooth socket. The suction from using a straw can disturb this clot, too.
Never touch extraction sites with your fingers because it could dislodge the blood clot and the bacteria on your hands could increase the risk of infection.
When can I brush my teeth?
Keep your mouth clean by gargling salt water the day of your extraction. You can resume brushing the day after your procedure so long as you do not brush directly over empty tooth sockets.
