When Does A Tooth Need To Be Extracted?

Restorative dentistry often means repairing a tooth, with a filling or maybe even a crown. But what if the best way to preserve your smile’s health and beauty is to remove a tooth completely? In today’s blog, your Houston, TX, dentist will look at when a tooth needs to be extracted, and how we can ensure you remain calm and relaxed, comfortable even, throughout this oral surgical procedure.

Addressing Wisdom Teeth and Other Concerns

One of the most common reasons for extracting a tooth is to prevent wisdom tooth eruption. When people enter their late teens and early 20s, up to four additional molars could erupt in the rear of their mouth. The result could be a painful partial eruption, known as an impaction, as well as infection, damaged teeth, and dental misalignment. Removing these teeth prevents the onset of these complications. We may also remove a tooth that suffers from severe tooth decay and infection, or one that has become injured. To correct serious misalignment, we may need to make room to reposition the teeth by extracting one.

Ensuring You Feel Comfortable

Prior to your procedure, we will employ a local anesthetic around the extraction site. Next, we will administer an IV sedation and a trained anesthesiologist will monitor you throughout the procedure. The sedation allows patients to become relaxed and comfortable, with little to no memory of the procedure at all. The teeth will be gently removed with a pair of forceps, and we will suture the area closed afterward. Extractions only take one visit to complete.

What Next?

After the procedure ends, a friend or family can bring you home and you should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for the rest of the day as the effects of the sedation will take time to wear off. Cutting back on strenuous activity in the first day or two is also beneficial for the healing process. Take it easy, and don’t prod the removal site with your tongue. For the first day or two, consume only soft foods and take care when you brush and floss. We will schedule a follow up visit to monitor you as you heal and to remove the sutures. There will also be pain medication and antibiotics to take as you heal. If you have any questions about tooth extraction, or if you think one could benefit you or your teen, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help you continue to enjoy optimal oral health!

MMC DENTAL OFFERS ORAL SURGERY

Our team can help preserve the health and function of your smile with a safe and comfortable dental extraction. To learn more about oral surgery and restorative dental care, then please schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael Chan by calling MMC Dental in Houston, TX, today at (713) 926-8896.