Tooth Extractions – Garland, TX
We'll Help Protect Your Oral Health
We go out of our way to help dental patients retain their teeth whenever possible since no tooth replacement is as good as your natural tooth. That said, there are some cases when that’s not an option, like if a tooth is likely to cause future oral health issues and no other restorative solution can save it. The good news is La Prada Family Dentistry of Garland will always make your comfort a priority and take all the steps necessary to ensure total success. If your tooth is causing you problems, call our dental office to schedule a same-day emergency dentistry visit to discuss your options, including tooth extractions!
Why Choose La Prada Family Dentistry of Garland for Tooth Extractions?
- Same-Day Treatment for Tooth Extractions
- Short Wait Times
- Nitrous Oxide Available for Anxious Patients
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
Typically, if a tooth requires extraction, it’s because the tooth has become so damaged that it cannot be restored via a filling, crown, or root canal. This is often the case when the tooth is severely decayed, a serious infection has developed, or a traumatic injury splits the tooth down to the root portion. Of course, there are a few other cases when a tooth extraction is recommended, like to address overcrowding prior to orthodontic treatment.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
The very first step of the entire treatment process – whether you’re receiving a simple or surgical extraction – is numbing the tooth and surrounding tissue. Once you’re as comfortable as possible, one of our dentists will start the process of removing your tooth. If it’s above the gumline, then they will grip it, rock it loose, and treat the extraction site. If it’s trapped underneath the gumline, then they will make an incision in your gums before removing it in sections.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
During the first few hours, your mouth will be numb. Once that sensation wears off, you can expect to feel some soreness surface. To combat that, we recommend using a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time, rinsing periodically with slightly warm saltwater, and taking OTC pain medication as directed. We also encourage our patients to:
- Avoid using a straw, spitting, or smoking
- Stick to very soft foods, like plain yogurt
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Change the gauze as needed
- Gently brush around the extraction site
Tooth Extractions FAQs
Is There an Alternative to a Tooth Extraction?
Whether you have another option besides a tooth extraction will depend on your problem. After all, dentists will only remove a patient’s teeth as a last resort.
If your tooth suffers from major decay, our team could do a root canal. This treatment would only remove decayed or infected tissue, not the pearly white itself. It’d leave your tooth intact and help it survive for years!
When the underlying issue is gum disease, our practice could perform scaling and root planing. This service would help your gums recover, keeping your at-risk tooth from falling out.
How Should I Prepare for My Tooth Extraction?
To ensure your tooth extraction goes well, do several things to prepare for it. These include:
- Talk to Our Dentists – If you have any unanswered questions about treatment, make sure to bring them up with our team.
- Follow Instructions – Remember to follow our dentists’ pre-op guidelines. These could range from only drinking water the morning of your visit to taking prescription medication.
- Arrange Travel – Since your extraction will likely involve anesthesia, arrange for a trusted adult to drive you home after your procedure.
Can I Leave the Space Empty After a Tooth Extraction?
After tooth extraction, you shouldn’t leave the resulting space or “smile gap” empty. You’d be better off filling it with a restoration like a denture, dental bridge, or dental implant.
You see, an untreated smile gap isn’t just an eyesore; it threatens your health. The space can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease. It would also slowly tilt your remaining teeth until they fall out or become crooked. Plus, even missing one tooth can make it hard to chew food and get crucial nutrients.
Given the points above, please schedule a tooth replacement option soon after your extraction.
What Should I Do After My Tooth Extraction?
Following your tooth extraction, you’ll need to let your body recover. Your treatment site won’t instantly heal from the procedure; it’ll take time. So, make sure you practice good aftercare.
In particular, please remember to do the following:
- Rest & Relax – In the first 24 hours after treatment, don’t engage in strenuous physical activity. Doing so would delay healing and cause complications.
- Take Medicine – Please take over-the-counter or prescribed medication as instructed.
- Be Careful – To avoid a dry socket, please keep the gauze pad in place, stay hydrated, and avoid using a straw.
- Stick to Soft Foods – For at least a few days, stick to a soft food diet. Items like yogurt or applesauce wouldn’t upset your still-sensitive mouth.
More to Explore
I Need a Checkup & Cleaning I am Looking for a Dentist for My Child I am Concerned About Bleeding Gums I Have a Cavity or Broken Tooth I am Missing One or More Teeth I am Unhappy with My Smile I Want a Straighter Smile I am Afraid/Anxious of the Dentist I am in Pain & Need Help I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed View
Our Services
