Tooth Extractions Midland
Necessary Care for Healthier Smiles
At Boyles General Dentistry & Implant Center, we don’t extract teeth willy-nilly. We believe that every tooth that can be saved should be saved; however, we also know that some smiles are better off if troubled teeth are taken out entirely. If this happens to you, our compassionate team can guide you through the process of tooth extraction, so you have the best possible experience. To learn more about this treatment, keep reading and then contact us to schedule a consultation if you would like more information.
Why Choose Boyles General Dentistry & Implant Center for Tooth Extractions?
- Dental Sedation Options Available for Complete Comfort
- Replacement Dental Implants Placed and Restored Under 1 Roof
- Caring Team of Dental Professionals with Years of Experience
When Are Tooth Extractions Necessary?
Despite our team’s best efforts, tooth extractions may become necessary in certain situations, such as the following:
- Advanced decay and/or periodontal disease have rendered the tooth unsalvageable.
- The patient is undergoing orthodontic treatment and one or more teeth must be removed to make way for proper alignment.
- The patient has suffered a serious oral injury, and normal restorative means cannot save the tooth.
- The patient’s third molars (“wisdom teeth”) are threatening their health and need to be removed for safety reasons.
If we recommend tooth extraction for you, we will always explain the reasons behind our recommendation. We will also take the time to answer any of your questions.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
Although the overall objective is the same in any tooth extraction, the way we go about accomplishing it may vary from case to case. Regardless, we make sure that you feel comfortable and pain-free by using local anesthetic and sedation. Then, depending on where the tooth is located and whether it’s erupted or not, we can use one of two approaches. For teeth that are above the gums, we use dental pliers and gently rock the tooth to loosen it from the socket.
When the tooth is submerged under the gum tissue, we make a small incision and most often separate the tooth into smaller pieces, making it easier to take out of the jawbone. Once we’ve extracted the tooth, we place gauze over the site and allow your body to start the healing process.
You can trust our team to handle your extraction procedure safely and smoothly. Sedation dentistry is available as a calming aid upon request. If the extracted tooth or teeth need to be replaced, we will start planning the ideal restorative solution right away as well so that you don’t have to be without a complete set of teeth for long.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
After an invasive procedure like a tooth extraction, it’s important to follow our instructions. Neglecting to take care of the site or starting to resume normal activities too soon can lead to complications or infections like a dry socket, which is very painful. Here are some of the basics that we’ll explain to you in person:
- Make sure you have clean gauze on the extraction site, replacing it every few hours.
- Allow a blood clot, which protects the tissues underneath, to form over the site.
- Rest for a few days and refrain from rigorous activities.
- Eat soft foods (like oatmeal, yogurt, and ice cream) for a few days after the procedure.
- Do not use a straw or smoke for at least 48 hours because the sucking motion could remove the clot.
After you’ve had a chance to heal, we can then discuss your replacement options, if necessary.