Tooth Extractions – Richardson, TX

Preserve Your Smile by Removing Troublesome Teeth

 

Are you suffering from a toothache that won’t subside or is getting worse, or do you have a severely damaged or decayed tooth? If so, there’s a chance it may need to be extracted. Although Dr. Hsia usually does everything he can to save your natural teeth, they can put your dental health at risk if they've become too injured to be treated successfully. In these cases, our team can preserve your smile by removing troublesome teeth.

Continue reading to learn more about tooth extractions, and feel free to contact us for additional information.

Why Choose Jupiter Family Dental of Richardson for Tooth Extractions?

  • Certified to Administer Nitrous Oxide Sedation
  • Advanced Technology to Enhance Patient Comfort
  • Flexible Financing Options Available

Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary

Grayscale X-ray image with impacted tooth highlighted red surrounded by forceps

If you’re concerned about your oral condition but aren’t sure whether you need to have a problematic tooth pulled, understanding when it’s necessary can help you make an informed decision.

You might require an extraction if:

  • You have a tooth that’s severely damaged enough that it can’t be repaired with treatments like a filling or root canal.
  • Additional space is required for orthodontic treatment.
  • You’re being fitted for a full set of dentures.
  • Your wisdom tooth is impacted or infected.
  • A baby tooth won’t fall out on its own to allow the adult one to grow properly.

Issues like decay and disease can spread to your gums and jawbone if left unaddressed, further detracting from your overall dental well-being.

The Process of Removing a Tooth

Closeup of someone’s tooth being grasped by forceps for an extraction

The process of taking out your troublesome tooth depends on the type of procedure that’s needed for your unique circumstances. For a simple extraction, our team will start by applying a topical anesthetic and/or sedating you so that you feel comfortable the entire time. Then, Dr. Hsia will insert a dental tool called an ‘elevator’ to gently loosen the tooth in its socket so it can be wiggled free easily with forceps.

If you have a partially erupted or impacted tooth, you might need a surgical extraction, which involves making a small incision to access it. From there, we may need to trim away a small amount of gum or bone tissue to make enough space to remove it. In some cases, the tooth must be broken into more manageable sections.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

Man holding extracted tooth with one hand and his sore jaw in the other

Once your extraction procedure is complete, your mouth must form a blood clot over the site to protect the vulnerable nerves and bone that are left exposed. Our team will provide instructions for you to follow to avoid damaging it so you can prevent a painful complication known as dry socket.

Some standard post-op directions can include:

  • Take any prescription antibiotics or pain medications as ordered.
  • Don’t brush your teeth for the first 24 hours. Instead, gently rinse with warm salt water to eradicate germs and rinse away any unwanted particles.
  • Avoid smoking because the force of suction can dislodge your blood clot, and the ingredients hinder healing.
  • Drink plenty of water but drink directly from your glass rather than with a straw.
  • Steer clear of strenuous physical activities that elevate your heart rate or blood pressure.
  • Prop your head up at an angle while sleeping at night.

Also, it’s a good idea to discuss tooth replacement options with Dr. Hsia sooner rather than later. Without a root to stimulate your jawbone, it begins to thin in that area. If you never replace your extracted tooth, this can eventually lead to additional tooth loss.