A tooth extraction is a vital procedure we offer at Creekside Dental. For many of our patients, this seems like a scary procedure. However, it is really just a routine general dentistry service that we use to improve oral health.
Dr. Enloe and Dr. Patel may suggest a tooth extraction in Flint, TX, for many reasons. The most common ones are:
- Severe tooth decay or infection: It is vital that we remove teeth with a lot of decay or an infection. If we cannot fix the damage, the infection or decay can spread to surrounding teeth or the bone.
- Gum disease: Advanced gum disease will cause the tissues and bone that support your teeth to become weak. Many of our patients with gum disease have severe infections, which makes extraction necessary to preserve oral health.
- Impacted wisdom teeth: We recommend wisdom teeth removal because these teeth can become impacted, meaning they don’t have enough room to grow correctly. Impacted teeth will most likely lead to pain, infection, and damage to neighboring teeth.
- Overcrowded teeth: Sometimes, we will suggest removing a tooth to make room for orthodontic treatment. Giving your teeth enough room to shift will help align your teeth properly.
- Broken or damaged teeth: Teeth that are severely broken or damaged from an accident may need extraction if we cannot repair them with a dental crown or filling.
Types of Tooth Extractions in Flint, TX
We use two main methods for dental extractions: simple and complex. The type of extraction you need depends on the condition and location of your tooth. Simple extractions are usually quick and easy, while complex ones may need a more involved surgical approach. We will walk you through the process and make sure you get the best and most comfortable option for your needs.
Simple Extraction
A simple extraction is when your dentist removes a tooth that you can still see in the mouth. We perform this type of tooth removal with local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the tooth. The first part of the procedure involves the dentist loosening the tooth with an instrument called an elevator. Next, your dentist will use forceps to remove it. Simple extractions do not take long and involve minimal discomfort. Recovery time is quick, and complications are rare.
Complex Extraction
A complex extraction, also known as a surgical extraction, is required for teeth that we cannot easily remove. For example, impacted wisdom teeth or teeth stuck behind the bone will require a complex extraction. Your dentist or oral surgeon will need to make a small incision in the gums to reach the tooth. Sometimes, they may need to remove some bone around the tooth or cut the tooth into smaller pieces to get it out. Complex extractions are more difficult and may require a longer recovery period. However, we perform them to prevent future dental issues.
How to Prepare for a Tooth Extraction
Before you get a tooth pulled, we need to know more about your medical history, overall health, and dental health. Our dental team will take X-rays of your tooth so that Dr. Enloe or Dr. Patel can see its position. They also need to know what kind of condition the tooth is in below the gums and see where it is within the bone.
It is vital to follow all our directions to prepare for the appointment. We may ask that you not eat or drink for a few hours before you arrive. You should not consume anything if you require dental sedation. Here are some more tips that will help you prepare for a tooth extraction:
- Discuss any medications you are taking with your dentist. Some medications can affect blood clotting; you may need to adjust them before the procedure.
- Find someone to drive you home if you will be using a form of sedation dentistry during the extraction. If you choose oral sedation, you will be unable to drive safely.
- Wear comfortable clothes and leave all your jewelry at home. Also, try to avoid wearing contact lenses on the day of your tooth removal.
Wisdom Teeth: Why it is Best to Remove Them
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that usually appear when you are a teenager or in your early twenties. They are located at the very back of your mouth, and most people have four of them – two on the top and two on the bottom. The problem is, sometimes there’s not enough room in your mouth for these latecomers, and that’s when issues can pop up.
We suggest that you remove your wisdom teeth because they are known to cause trouble. Here are the main problems that wisdom teeth cause:
- Impaction: Sometimes, wisdom teeth get stuck under your gums and cannot fully erupt. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to pain, swelling, and even infections.
- Crowding: If the teeth in your mouth is causing crowding, wisdom teeth might push your other teeth around. Wisdom teeth can easily make the surrounding teeth crooked.
- Cavities and Gum Problems: Wisdom teeth are hard to reach and clean. If you cannot properly clean them, they are more prone to cavities and gum disease.
If you opt to remove your wisdom teeth early, you will avoid these likely problems and keep your smile healthy. It is a common procedure with little risks. We will make sure you are comfortable during treatment.
For most patients, they discover they need a tooth pulled during a routine checkup or a dental emergency. Creekside Dental can provide you with a tooth extraction in Flint, TX if it is the best option for your oral health. If you think you may need a tooth removed, call 903-225-8031 to book an appointment.