No one wants to hear they need a dental extraction; the thought of losing one or more teeth can stir up feelings of sadness and despair. Because your smile is one of the first things people notice, you don’t want missing teeth to be what they remember about you.
Unfortunately, dental extraction is a common procedure, and it might be necessary to restore your oral and overall health. At Hall Dental Group, we take a conservative approach to dental treatment and will only remove teeth if absolutely necessary.
Here’s everything you need to know about why we extract teeth, how the process works, and what you can expect regarding recovery.
Why Do I Need a Tooth Extraction in Cookeville?
It’s important to understand that we will do whatever possible to save your natural tooth. However, sometimes the best option is an extraction. Here are some of the most common reasons for removing a tooth:
- Extensive tooth decay — If your tooth is too decayed for a filling or crown, we may recommend extraction.
- Broken or cracked tooth — When your tooth is damaged and can’t be repaired, extraction may be the best option.
- Abscessed or infected tooth — If a root canal can’t save your infected tooth, we may have to extract it.
- Overcrowded tooth — When there isn’t sufficient room in your mouth and your teeth become crowded, extraction provides extra space and improves your oral health.
- Wisdom teeth — If your wisdom teeth are causing problems, we can gently extract them to avoid overcrowding.
- Gum disease — When gum disease goes untreated, the result may be loose teeth that require removal.
How Does the Tooth Extraction Process Work at Hall Dental Group?
We strive to educate our patients about every step of the tooth extraction process. Here’s what you can expect, from consultation to aftercare:
- The consultation — During this initial visit, we will conduct a complete dental examination to assess your teeth and dental health needs. If we think an extraction is necessary, we’ll form a treatment plan and discuss it with you. You can ask questions about what will happen before, during, and after the procedure.
- The extraction process — On the day of your extraction, we’ll ensure you’re comfortable in the treatment room before administering a local anesthetic to numb your tooth. You won’t feel anything during the procedure. Then, we’ll use special dental tools to gently loosen and lift your tooth from its socket. Once removed, we will clean and stitch the area to prevent infection and promote faster healing.
- Post-extraction care — Once your extraction is complete, we will give you detailed instructions on how to care for the extraction site. Following these instructions is essential to avoid complications and quicken the healing process. You don’t want to develop a dry socket or infection, so you must maintain good oral hygiene and give yourself ample time to heal.
Tips for Tooth Extraction Recovery
After a tooth extraction, there are several things you can do to recover quickly and avoid complications. Consider these recovery tips:
- Keep the area clean — After 24 hours, mix one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and rinse your mouth. Repeat this process after each meal to keep your mouth clean. You can also rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash.
- Avoid brushing the extraction site — When you brush your teeth, avoid the extraction site. Your toothbrush could irritate the area.
- Avoid dislodging the blood clot — To avoid disturbing the blood clot at the extraction site, don’t spit forcefully for several days. Also, it would be best not to smoke or drink from a straw.
- Eat soft foods — For the first few days after an extraction, avoiding hard and crunchy foods is important. Don’t eat chips, popcorn, or other hard foods. Stick to soft foods such as yogurt, soup, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs.
- Take medications as prescribed — If your dentist prescribes pain relievers or antibiotics, be sure to take them. Over-the-counter pain relievers are also suitable for mild discomfort.
- Avoid strenuous activity — It’s best to avoid going to the gym or working out for a few days after an extraction. Raising your heart rate can cause bleeding or discomfort.
- Elevate your head — After an extraction, you should go home and rest; elevating your head can help you recover faster.
- Apply ice packs — Use an ice pack to numb the area and reduce swelling.
Questions about Tooth Extraction in Cookeville, TN?
If you are looking for a dentist in Cookeville, TN, consider the expert dental team at Hall Dental Group! We take a conservative approach to your treatment, and if we can save your tooth, we will. However, if extraction is the best option, we can gently remove your tooth and offer multiple tooth replacement options.
If you want to schedule a consultation or ask a question, please contact our dental office at (931) 528-7977. We will do whatever we can to give you the smile of your dreams.