Dental extractions are intimidating to many patients, but our team is here to walk you through the process and make your treatment as simple and easy as possible. Our practice also provides dental sedation, which can help relieve dental anxiety and make your experience more pleasant. We do wisdom teeth removals as well, so you won't have to be referred to an oral surgeon for any type of dental extraction. To learn more or schedule your appointment, please give our office a call or send us a message!
When are dental extractions performed?
Our team wants our patients to keep as many of their natural teeth as possible, as there are no dental restorations that are exactly the same as real teeth. However, there are cases in which a tooth has gone through too much damage to be restored using a filling, root canal, or crown and must instead be removed and replaced. Sometimes one or more teeth need to be removed as part of an orthodontic treatment plan, or a tooth is impacted or crowding other teeth. If a dental extraction has been recommended to you, it's likely your best option.
What can I eat after my dental extraction?
Patients should wait until the numbness in their mouth wears off before attempting to eat anything to avoid biting their tongue or the inside of their cheek. After that, we recommend eating soft foods that require very minimal chewing. Before your procedure, you should stock up on things like oatmeal, cream of wheat, pudding, avocados, soup, and yogurt, as well as an ice pack and over-the-counter pain medication. You should also avoid drinking anything through a straw while your gums are healing, as that can cause a dry socket.
What are my options for replacing a tooth that needs to be extracted?
Our office provides a plethora of excellent tooth-replacement options. For many patients, dental implants are their preferred choice for replacing missing teeth, as they look, feel, and function very similarly to natural teeth. For patients who are not interested in additional oral surgery or are not candidates for dental implants, dental bridges or partial dentures can also be a great choice. If you are interested in getting a tooth removed and replaced with a custom dental restoration, our team can create a personalized treatment plan for you to restore your smile and your oral health.
How will I know if I need a dental extraction?
You might need a dental extraction if you experience severe tooth pain, infection, or damage that cannot be repaired with a filling, crown, or other dental treatments. Other signs include extensive decay, gum disease, or a tooth that is impacted, such as a wisdom tooth. Our team will evaluate your condition through a thorough visual examination and X-rays. If the tooth is beyond repair or poses a risk to your oral health, a dental extraction will be recommended. If you still have one or more wisdom teeth, we will assess those during your regular check-ups as well to determine if or when they need to be removed.
Will I be awake during my dental extraction?
For more advanced restorative dental treatments like dental extractions, it's common for patients to request dental sedation. Gastonia Family Dentistry offers oral conscious sedation, which involves taking a pill prior to the procedure and entering a deep state of relaxation. In this state, patients feel very calm and at ease, but they are still conscious and able to answer questions. If you are interested in adding sedation to your treatment, our team would be happy to discuss it with you.
When can I go back to school or work after an extraction?
It largely depends on your treatment plan and your unique healing process. We always recommend that patients take at least the rest of the day off after they have one or more teeth removed to rest and relax. You should keep your head propped up and avoid doing anything too strenuous during this time. Once you return to your normal routine, it's still a good idea to take it easy, as too much activity can cause the blood clot in the socket to come loose, which is what protects the gums and helps them heal.