Tooth Extraction in Dallas
Compassionate Dental Care When You Need It Most
Dr. Jack Bodie believes in conservative dentistry that’s always designed to preserve and protect your natural teeth so that they can last a lifetime. After all, nothing works better than your natural teeth!However, sometimes life throws us a curveball, and things don’t always go as planned. This is kind of what happens when we meet patients who are facing a tooth extraction. While we don’t like to remove any of your teeth if at all possible, there are some instances when a tooth or teeth must be extracted for a variety of reasons.
Reasons We May Recommend A Tooth Extraction
Even though your permanent adult teeth are meant to last throughout your entire life, sometimes it’s in your best interest to have a tooth pulled. Tooth extractions may be necessary because of:
- Severe Decay Damage — When there’s decay that’s reached the center of your tooth or the pulp, bacteria can cause a very bad infection. To help your tooth heal, Dr. Bodie might try to use a non-surgical root canal. But if he finds your tooth is too severely infected, you may need the tooth pulled to keep the bacteria from spreading.
- Periodontal or Gum Disease — Periodontal disease occurs after the early stages of gingivitis and can negatively impact a tooth or multiple teeth to the point that extraction may be your best option, especially if a tooth is loose and falling out.
- Poor Positioning — One of the most common reasons we see teeth extractions in our Richardson, TX dental office, is because of poor positioning. Impacted teeth often put other teeth in danger and need to be extracted so that your mouth can stay healthy or to prepare it for an upcoming orthodontic treatment. Learn more about impacted wisdom teeth removal here.
What Can I Expect During A Tooth Extraction?
Before we decide to proceed with any tooth extraction, Dr. Bodie will be sure to take a series of precise digital x-rays to better assess and understand where your tooth’s roots are and the condition of its surrounding bone. We’ll also be sure to review your medical history and any prescriptions you’re currently taking. Tooth extractions are generally completed with the help of a local anesthesia to numb the tooth we want to remove. Dr. Bodie can also work with you to discuss possible sedation options during your treatment to ensure you’re comfortable and relaxed at all times.
Following your tooth extraction, we’ll apply gentle pressure to the area with gauze until any light bleeding stops. Very mild pain or swelling may occur, and symptoms are generally managed with a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug available over-the-counter such as ibuprofen or aspirin. Sometimes antibiotics are necessary to help avoid any possibility of infection. Within a day or two, you and your smile should feel fine.
Having a tooth pulled isn’t the end of the world. Dr. Bodie and team are here for you every step of the way. We’ll help you feel better and find out the best replacement options for your missing tooth to help make your smile feel whole again.