What’s a Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extractions are the removal of a tooth from the socket in the jaw bone. Although it might sound daunting, extractions are a simple procedure and with Dr. Urbanek performing your procedure, you have nothing to worry about. To help you feel more at ease, we will provide you with sedation dentistry to make the entire procedure a breeze.
Once you’re feeling relaxed, Dr. Urbanek will numb the extraction area. Instead of pulling the tooth out all at once, he will break it apart and remove it in several pieces. This strategy makes the extraction less traumatic and reduces the chance of fracturing the bone around the tooth root. It also encourages faster healing.
When Are Tooth Extractions Necessary?
Although we view tooth extractions as a last resort, they are sometimes necessary to maintain good oral health. Some of the most common reasons why you might need an extraction include:
- Tooth decay that’s reached the tooth roots
- Infection that’s destroyed the majority of the tooth or bone
- Insufficient room in your mouth to accommodate all your teeth
- Baby teeth that don’t fall out
- Wisdom teeth that cause complications
- Extra teeth preventing other teeth from growing in
- To create room for orthodontic treatment
If any of the conditions listed above apply to you, you might benefit from tooth extractions. Please contact our dental office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Urbanek for extractions in Southlake, TX to find out if an extraction is the best option for you.
Extraction Aftercare
Although our unique extraction technique helps you heal faster than traditional extraction methods, you still need to take aftercare seriously. The most important part of your aftercare process is keeping the socket clean to prevent infection. After removing your tooth, we will apply gauze to the area which you will gently bite down on to limit the bleeding and develop a blood clot. This usually occurs within 30 to 45 minutes of the extraction.
For the next 24 hours after your extraction, you should avoid smoking, drinking with a straw, cleaning your teeth near the extraction site, or rinsing your mouth vigorously. Instead, you should take over the counter pain relievers to manage pain and apply an ice pack to your face in 15-minute sessions to prevent swelling. Most discomfort from the extraction should subside within three days or up to two weeks. If you notice any prolonged bleeding, a fever, swelling, or bad taste in your mouth, you might have an infection. At this point, please contact us for immediate assistance.
We recommend sticking to a soft food diet for the first few days after your extraction. If possible, also try to avoid chewing near the extraction site. After you’re finished eating, gently rinse the area to avoid food getting stuck in the socket.
If you’re getting dental implants after your extraction, we will actually complete the procedure immediately after removing your teeth. You won’t have to go a day with a missing tooth!
If you live in Southlake, TX, and need tooth extractions, our oral & maxillofacial surgeon is here to help. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Urbanek by calling (817) 587-4414 today.
