All You Need to Know About Dental Extractions

When you visit Stonegate Family Dentistry with a severe dental concern, we will try everything possible to save your teeth using various dental treatment options. However, there might be some cases when a tooth can't be saved. This happens when a tooth is badly damaged either due to external trauma or dental disease. If your teeth sustain a tooth infection, traumatic injury, tooth damage, or severe tooth decay, tooth extraction is necessary.

Dental Extractions In Murfreesboro, TN

Dental extractions, also known as tooth removal, are dental procedures in which a tooth is removed from its socket in the jawbone. While tooth extraction is typically a last resort treatment, there are instances when it becomes necessary to preserve overall oral health. Here's what you need to know about dental extractions:

The following are the common reasons that necessitate a dental extraction:

• Cavities

Cavities occur as a result of erosion of the teeth's enamel leading to the decay of the dentin due to the harmful microbes in the mouth. If the cavities are not treated, they can develop into root canal cavities and infection. If the infection is severe and can't be fixed using all the possible treatment options like medication, restorations, fillings, etc., a tooth extraction would be needed to prevent the further spread of infection and prevent other complications.

• Oral Trauma

External trauma to the mouth can cause damage to the teeth, soft tissues, and jawbone. Teeth injury can include cracks, chipping, fracture, or even breakage at the gum line. In the case of dental emergencies that arise from oral trauma, our dental experts will try their best to save the teeth using dental restoration techniques after conducting a meticulous examination of the situation. However, if the tooth is severely decayed or damaged, a dental extraction would be needed to alleviate pain and prevent further complications.

• Orthodontics

Several treatment options are available to fix misaligned teeth. However, you may need extraction of the teeth on both sides of the jawbone to create enough space for the remaining teeth to shift to their correct positions. 

• Impacted Teeth

An impacted tooth is the one that is stuck in the jawbone during its eruption. Such a tooth can cause severe pain, discomfort, and infection near the impacted area. Though minor impactions can be treated using the medication, if the tooth is fully stuck in the jawbone, it may need an extraction to prevent complexities. Call us to learn more.

The Types of Extractions. 

Extractions can be of two types -  surgical extractions and simple extractions.

Simple Extraction: This involves removing a visible tooth that is fully erupted from the gum. The dentist in Murfreesboro TN uses forceps to grasp and gently rock the tooth back and forth until it loosens and can be lifted out of the socket.

Surgical Extraction:This procedure is more complex and is typically performed for impacted or severely damaged teeth that cannot be easily accessed. It may involve making an incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth, as well as removing bone tissue or sectioning the tooth into smaller pieces for easier removal.

After-care Instructions

Following a dental extraction, it's essential to follow your dentist in 37129's post-operative instructions carefully to promote proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include:

• Applying ice packs to reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Taking prescribed medications, such as pain relievers and antibiotics, as directed.
• Eating soft foods and avoiding chewing on the extraction site to prevent irritation or injury.
• Avoiding vigorous rinsing or spitting, smoking, or using a straw, as these actions can disrupt blood clot formation and delay healing.

Overall, dental extractions are common dental procedures that can help alleviate pain, prevent further oral health issues, and restore the health and function of your smile. If you have a tooth that is causing you pain or discomfort, schedule a consultation with your dentist to discuss whether dental extraction is the right treatment option for you.

Call Stonegate Family Dentistry at (615) 624-6919 and schedule an appointment with Dentist in Murfreesboro TN, where our efficient dentists will take care of your dental extractions and other treatments.