Dental Extractions

Reasons You May Need a Tooth Extraction

Tooth extractions are usually the last resort for fixing a dental issue. The last thing we want to do is take out a healthy tooth! But sometimes, when an infection has become too severe or a tooth too damaged, the best route is to simply pull it from your mouth. If a root canal, cavity filling, or antibiotics will not save a tooth, we will recommend an extraction. If you are experiencing tooth pain or wondering if you need an emergency dental extraction, contact our office at 770-945-5369.

Don’t Be Scared of Tooth Extractions

Many patients, especially younger ones, are afraid of the tooth extraction process. However, there is no need to have anxiety about needing a tooth extraction. Dental technology has come a long way, and we are able to perform extractions with ease and with minimal pain.

The team at Smile Moore Dentistry prioritizes patient comfort and safety during the procedure. We offer numbing anesthetic so that you can feel little to no pain or discomfort. For patients who are especially worried, we have sedation options to relax you.

Simple vs. Surgical Extractions

Not every tooth is pulled the same way. In general, there are two types of extractions that dentists perform: simple and surgical.

Simple extractions are straightforward, just like the name suggests. Our dentists pull the tooth out of the gums without needing to make an incision. This type of extraction is quick, relatively painless, and requires minimal recovery time.

Surgical extractions, on the other hand, require more elbow grease. When a tooth has not fully breached the gumline, which is the case with most wisdom teeth, a surgical extraction is required. A dentist makes an incision in the gum line before extracting the tooth. While this may sound scary, keep in mind that you will be numbed or completely sedated during a surgical extraction.

Tips for Recovering from a Tooth Extraction

It is important to know how to care for your mouth after an extraction. Failure to do so could lead to infections, painful dry sockets, or other ailments. After your procedure, we will give you post-op instructions on how to recover from your extraction.

Hours after your procedure, you will likely notice a blood clot where your tooth was. It is important that this clot remains intact so your body can heal. This is why we recommend you don’t spit, rinse, or use a straw for at least 24 hours post-extraction.

We also recommend taking painkillers if they are prescribed to you. For most individuals, ibuprofen or aspirin can be taken to dull the pain once the numbing wears off. The length of recovery can vary between a few days and a few weeks depending on the type of extraction. Wisdom tooth extractions can take weeks to fully heal.