In most cases, Dr. Donna Franklin-Pitts tries her hardest to helping patients keep their teeth intact. However, despite our best efforts, tooth extraction is sometimes necessary. If we determine you’re in need of extraction, we’ll do our utmost to provide that service to you in our comfortable Tyler, TX dental practice. In extremely complex extraction cases, we’ll likely partner with a local specialist to ensure your safety and the longevity of your smile. If you have questions or concerns about tooth extractions, keep reading to find out more, or call Franklin Dental Center to schedule your appointment. Our centrally located family dentistry practice is open to patients from Tyler, Whitehouse, and all surrounding communities.
Tooth extraction is necessary when preserving a tooth will diminish rather than promote the overall health of your smile. Some specific cases where extraction is necessary include:
If the tooth has fully erupted from the gum line, we may be able to perform a simple, nonsurgical extraction. We numb the area around the tooth, and gently shift the roots until they are able to break free from the gums. Then, we pull the tooth. If there are circumstances that prevent us from simply pulling the tooth free, we’ll need to perform a more complex surgical extraction. In some cases, this simply means incisions need to be made in the soft tissue. In more advanced cases, we may need to break the tooth into several smaller pieces in order to safely extract the tooth without causing damage to surrounding dental structures.
Want to know more about tooth extractions in Tyler before making an appointment? Our team has collected some of the most common questions about tooth removal and answered them below. This information should give you a deeper understanding of the extraction process and recovery. If you have any additional questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact our office.
Many patients are hesitant to get a tooth removed because they are worried the procedure will be painful. Fortunately, whether you are getting one tooth pulled or multiple, the first step is always the same: numbing your mouth. We typically use local anesthesia for simple extractions and may use general anesthesia for more extensive procedures, such as removing impacted wisdom teeth. You may experience some soreness and mild discomfort after the procedure. Following aftercare instructions from Dr. Franklin-Pitts 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), be sure to get in touch with our team right away.
We strongly recommend that you do not smoke immediately following a tooth extraction in Tyler. All tobacco products, including cigars, cigarettes, and even e-cigarettes, can delay healing. Try to abstain from smoking for at least five days after getting one tooth or several teeth removed. If you can, you should avoid smoking for two full weeks. If you’ve had difficulty quitting in the past, don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist. Dr. Franklin-Pitts won’t judge you! They just want to know so they can help you prepare in advance.
Leaving an empty space in your smile is usually not a good idea. This is true even when the tooth pulled is toward the back of the mouth, where a dental gap is less noticeable. Your teeth are essential to chewing properly and speaking clearly. Even one missing back tooth can make it difficult to chew, which can lead to poor nutrition and indigestion. Meanwhile, a missing tooth toward the front of your mouth can cause a lisp. In addition, remaining teeth may slowly shift into the space left by your extracted tooth and lead to bite problems. Therefore, we recommend that, once you’re done healing, you schedule a consultation with Dr. Franklin-Pitts to find a tooth replacement option that works for you.
When it comes to healing after a tooth extraction, focusing on resting is of the utmost importance. Avoid going to the gym or doing anything strenuous for at least 24 hours. In addition, do your best to keep your head elevated so blood doesn’t rush to the extraction site and cause bleeding. Make sure to keep the gauze in place as instructed by your dentist in Tyler. This will help the blood clot form. Do NOT touch the wound with your tongue or hands. In order to prevent dry socket (which can delay healing), stay hydrated, avoid using straws, and do not spit. If you experience swelling, place an icepack or cold compress against the outside of your cheek. Finally, only take the over-the-counter or prescription pain medication recommended by Dr. Franklin-Pitts.
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