With crowns, inlays, and onlays, as well as fillings and bonding, we can often repair damaged or decayed teeth to keep your smile whole. But what if a situation arises in which we can’t repair the tooth? Leaving it in place could put your whole smile at risk! In today’s blog, your Bellaire, TX, dentist talks about protecting smiles with a safe and gentle tooth extraction.
The Scenarios That Call for Removal
As we mentioned above, tooth decay or infection beyond treatment with a filling or root canal could require extraction to prevent the spread of these concerns. We could also suggest removing a tooth if severe damage occurs or a tooth is loosened by gum disease. The procedure could help prevent wisdom tooth impaction too, and improve the balance of your bite and chewing function too. The tooth extraction could also help with orthodontic treatment or make room for a dental prosthetic, such as a set of dentures.
Preparing Your Smile for Tooth Removal
To begin the procedure, our team will take detailed digital x-rays of your smile, which enables us to identify the exact position of the tooth requiring removal so we can plan the procedure in detail. The images are taken in seconds, require no bitewings or lengthy development periods, and are available instantly chairside. The system also uses 90% less radiation! We will plan the procedure to avoid nerve tissues, blood vessels, or sinus cavities, ensuring a comfortable and effective procedure that takes as little as 30 minutes to complete.
Tooth Extraction and Replacement
Our team will numb the immediate area with a local anesthesia, and to ensure you’re comfortable even if you have dental anxiety, our team can offer dental sedation. These medications help you stay calm and relaxed, with little to no memory of your procedure afterward. We then gently remove the tooth with a pair of forceps and will suture the area closed. We need a clot to form to aid in the healing period, so for the next day or two you need to eat soft foods, avoid straws, and be very gentle when you brush and floss. Don’t prod the site with your tongue, and avoid physical activities. The sutures are removed in the follow-up visit, and we can prescribe medications to take at home to help ensure you’re comfortable and that the healing period is quick and effective.
If you have any questions about how we help smiles with a tooth extraction, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help you maintain strong, healthy, and beautiful smiles!
Talk To Our Team About Restorative Dentistry Today
If you have a tooth in pain and would like to schedule an appointment, call Contemporary Dental in Bellaire, TX, today at (713) 668-9119. With a tooth extraction, we can protect your smile from major complications.