Ensuring Your Extraction Is Comfortable

When a tooth can no longer be treated with a dental restoration, leaving it in place could threaten the smile. To preserve the smile, our team could remove the tooth in question. In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist talks about the tooth extraction, including when one is prescribed and how we ensure the procedure is comfortable.

When Teeth Need Extraction

We may prescribe a tooth extraction for a number of different reasons. For example, we could take out a tooth that is severely damaged, decayed, or infected, beyond repair with a crown. Otherwise, it could lead to worsening complications for your smile. We could take out teeth to aid in orthodontic treatment or to improve chewing function and bite balance. If you’ve lost most of your teeth, an extraction could pave the way for a set of full dentures.

But the most common reason is to prevent wisdom tooth impaction. As we approach adulthood, up to four new molars could erupt in the rear of the mouth, leading to a painful partial eruption known as impaction, as well as misalignment, infection, or damaged teeth. But we could prevent these issues by taking them out before they even erupt.

Anesthesia and Sedation

We always take measures to ensure our patients feel comfortable. For example, we will administer a local numbing agent to the area where the tooth is being removed. We can also provide dental sedation to help you enter a calm and relaxed state, remaining conscious while also having little to no memory of the procedure at all. Once you’re comfortable, we will move forward with the tooth removal.

Removal and Tooth Replacement

Our team will plan the procedure in detail by taking detailed digital images of the smile to identify the position of the tooth, and to ensure the removal process doesn’t impact sinus cavities or nerve tissues. We then use a pair of forceps to gently take the tooth out. The extraction site is then sutured closed. A friend or family member can bring you home, and we will prescribe medications to ensure a comfortable and complication-free healing process. You can usually return to normal activities after a day or two of rest, and we can remove sutures in a follow up visit.

If you have any questions about how we remove teeth, or about any of our other restorative treatment options, then contact our team today to learn more. We look forward to helping you enjoy better oral health in the new year!

Talk To Your Cleveland, TX Dentist About Oral Surgery

We would like to help you maintain your best possible smile. For more information about restoring the health of the smile, then contact your Cleveland, TX, dentist, Dr. Uhrenholdt, by calling (281) 592-1234.