Tooth Extractions – Midwest City, OK
Sometimes Tooth Removal Is the Right Decision
Removal is not the first option Dr. Kendrick wants to consider when you have issues with a tooth, but sometimes it is the only choice. The damage may be so significant that extraction is necessary to preserve your oral and general health. When tooth extractions in Midwest City are required, our team will make sure you understand why this approach is being recommended to you and that you’re comfortable throughout the procedure. Keep reading to learn more about this restorative dental treatment or
give us a call
because sometimes tooth removal is the right decision!
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
At Midwest City Dental Center, tooth extractions are only recommended if the tooth in question cannot be salvaged using a dental crown or root canal therapy. Although preserving as much of the natural tooth structure as possible is ideal, removal may be the best option for your oral health if you have:
- Extensive decay or irreparable damage to a tooth
- Severe infection that could spread
- Advanced periodontal disease or jawbone loss
- Primary tooth that hasn’t fallen out
- Impacted tooth
The Process of Removing a Tooth
The last bit of advice you want to hear from your dentist is to have a tooth pulled. However, it may surprise you to learn an extraction is not as terrifying as it sounds! There are two methods commonly used for removing a tooth: simple and surgical.
A simple extraction is done for a tooth that has fully erupted and is completely above the gumline. After Dr. Kendrick numbs your mouth, he’ll grasp the tooth with dental forceps and rock it back and forth until it separates from the gum tissue.
Meanwhile, a surgical extraction is an ideal option for a tooth that isn’t fully above the gumline. This method involves making a small incision in the gums to access the tooth. Like a simple extraction, dental forceps will be used to grasp the tooth and remove it.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Following your tooth extraction, you’ll receive post-op instructions from your
restorative dentist
in Midwest City that you’ll need to follow diligently to make a swift and comfortable recovery. By keeping your mouth as clean as possible, you can ensure the surgical site heals properly. Here are some aftercare tips to keep in mind:
- Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as needed to alleviate your discomfort.
- Gently brush and floss around the surgical site to keep it clean.
- Rinse with warm salt water after 24 hours to disinfect the site.
- Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest to promote faster healing.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of your mouth to minimize pain and swelling.
- Avoid drinking from a straw.
- Do not eat hard, crunchy, sticky, sour, or spicy foods for the first few days.
Tooth Extractions FAQs
Want to know more about tooth extractions in Midwest City? Our expert staff has collected some of the most common questions we hear from patients and answered them below. Remember, every person’s smile is unique, so no two dental extractions are completely the same. To learn more about how you may benefit from removing a damaged or decayed tooth, schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Kendrick at our conveniently located office.
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
You can rest assured that at Midwest City Dental Center your comfort is our number one priority. Before Dr. Kendrick begins extraction treatment, he will administer a local anesthetic to your tooth and surrounding tissue to numb the area. You will not feel any pain during the extraction procedure!
Afterward, you may experience some soreness and mild discomfort. Following your aftercare instructions is essential in not only preventing infection but reducing puffiness and promoting healing. If your pain worsens or you begin to exhibit signs of an infection (like a fever), then give us a call right away.
What Can I Do to Speed Up the Healing Time?
They best thing you can do to speed up your healing time is go home and rest. Avoid exercise or strenuous physical activity for at least 24 hours and do your best to keep your head elevated. Next, make sure to keep the gauze in place as instructed by Dr. Kendrick. This will help the blood clot form. Do NOT touch the wound with your tongue or hands. In addition, avoid eating acidic foods that can cause irritation. It’s important to stay hydrated after a dental extraction, but do not use a straw and do not spit, as doing so could dislodge the blood clot. Finally, you can manage any swelling by placing an icepack against the outside of your cheek and taking pain medication as recommended by Dr. Kendrick.
How Long After a Tooth Extraction Can I Get Dentures?
While every case is different, extraction patients typically must wait around six to eight weeks before getting dentures. Once you’ve healed completely, Dr. Kendrick will take impressions of your mouth, which will be sent to a dental lab. There, lab artisans will use the impressions to meticulously craft your custom dentures. Once they’ve been created, Dr. Kendrick will have you try them on, make any final adjustments (if needed), and teach you how to care for your dentures so you can keep your new and improved smile in pristine condition at home.
Can I Smoke After Getting a Tooth Extracted?
In general, dentists in Midwest City strongly recommend that patients abstain from smoking for at least five days after getting a tooth removed. However, if you can, you should avoid smoking for two weeks. Tobacco products like cigars and cigarettes can delay the healing process, which is why you should not smoke after a dental extraction. If you’ve had difficulty quitting in the past, don’t hesitate to let Dr. Kendrick know so they can help you prepare in advance.