Wisdom Tooth Removal in Houston, TX
Sometimes you need to have a tooth extracted. This can happen for many reasons, including the tooth having decayed, the way it is impacting on your other teeth, or trauma to the tooth that is unrecoverable.
In order to maintain the overall health of your mouth and other teeth, the tooth may need to be extracted. Though this may seem very worrying to you, there is no reason to be alarmed. Tooth extractions are a common procedure that your Houston dentist performs all the time.
Remember that, even if you haven’t had a tooth extracted before as an adult, you already lost your first set of teeth as a child. The best thing you can do is have your troublesome tooth evaluated to determine the best course of action to take. If you do end up having it extracted, these are the steps you can expect.
Tooth Extraction Procedure
During the actual procedure, there is very little you need to do as you will either be unaware if using twilight anesthesia or patiently waiting as the extraction is conducted while you don’t feel anything. If awake with local anesthesia, you may feel vibrations or pressure but should not feel direct pain as the nerves have been numbed.
The dentist removes the tooth by rocking it back and forth to break the connections to the jaw bone allowing it to be removed. Sometimes weakened teeth will come out quite easily. More stubborn teeth, particularly in the back of the mouth, may need to be removed in pieces. In the case of impacted teeth that are covered by the gum line, they will have to be exposed first.
Do You Provide Anesthesia?
As part of the tooth extraction, you will be given anesthesia to minimize discomfort. Every tooth extraction is different depending on the state of the tooth and the ease of its extraction. Especially in the case of multiple wisdom teeth removal, which may not be weak at all but still need to be removed, non-local anesthesia may be recommended so that you are not aware of the procedure at all.
Usually what is called ‘twilight anesthesia’, as opposed to full general anesthesia, is used. You should awaken feeling mildly groggy with no memory of what has happened. In simple single-tooth extractions, a local anesthetic that numbs the area may be sufficient, as is typically used in the case of a routine filling. In cases where a non-local anesthetic is used, you should arrange for help getting home, as driving yourself is not recommended afterward for safety reasons. No matter your situation, our sedation dentistry experts will be able to cater to your needs.
Aftercare
Aftercare with a tooth extraction is very important. Gauze will be placed at the site of the former tooth to prevent bleeding. The healing process requires that a blood clot form at the location of the tooth extraction, and it is very important to not disturb this process as much as possible.
You should take great care not to engage in any sucking action, as the powerful pressure created can disrupt the clot. You should also not physically disturb the site, despite any temptation to touch it with your fingers or tongue. When allowed to eat, it is best to chew with the other side of your mouth.
Strenuous activity should also be avoided, and smokers should refrain after surgery as smoke can be particularly aggravating. Alcohol, spicy foods, and anything challenging to the mouth environment should likewise be avoided.
In some cases, a condition called ‘dry socket’ can occur where the clot is disturbed, exposing the raw tissues and nerves to the air. This can be very painful if not taken care of. If this does happen, your dentist will be able to treat it if necessary and prescribe pain medications to help you get through it. Though it takes longer if this happens, the site will eventually heal just the same.
Dealing with a Lost Tooth
Once you have had a tooth extracted, you may be concerned about having a missing tooth, especially if it is at or near the front of the mouth where it will visibly impact your smile. Such concerns are perfectly understandable and are very common. Fortunately there are are many solutions to this problem so that you do need not suffer from the appearance of a missing tooth. Modern dentistry has many ways to fix this, as well as to improve the overall appearance of your visible teeth including your natural teeth.
Schedule a Tooth Extraction Appointment Today
If you are having problems with a tooth that may need to be extracted, contact Medical Center Dental Group today by calling 713-795-5905 to learn more regarding pricing information. Find tooth extraction services in Houston, TX.
Our Houston dental office is located at 6560 Fannin #1424 Houston, TX 77030.
Featured Image: Shutterstock / Sebra
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