Tooth Extractions in Irving, TX
When a tooth is badly decayed, broken, impacted or crowding other teeth, removing it can protect your oral health. At DFW Dental & Orthodontics in Irving, Dr. Kwon and Dr. Davis perform simple and surgical extractions with local anesthetic, and sedation is available to help you relax. DFW Dental & Orthodontics is a general dentistry practice, and all services are provided by general dentists.
Tooth Extractions
Though our adult teeth are meant to last a lifetime, sometimes, for the health of the entire mouth, a tooth simply must go! Some situations that warrant a tooth extraction include impacted teeth, or teeth that are positioned incorrectly in the mouth or jaw; a tooth that is causing overcrowding in the mouth; a severely decayed tooth; a broken tooth that cannot be repaired; periodontal (gum) disease; and preparation for orthodontic treatments.
If you need a tooth removed, Dr. Kwon & Dr. Davis will provide you with as comfortable and pain-free an extraction as possible. Due to advances in anesthesia and sedatives, as well as Dr. Kwon and Dr. Davis's experience, tooth extraction can be completed with minimal bleeding and pain.
Simple Vs. Surgical Extractions
There are two basic categories of tooth extraction: simple and surgical.
Simple extractions are performed when a tooth is showing above the gum line and can be removed simply with forceps. The process and healing time for simple extractions are both quite quick.
Surgical extraction is needed when a tooth has broken below the gum line or, quite commonly, when a wisdom tooth is impacted. Some cases in which this type of extraction is necessary if a tooth has broken below the gum line, or quite commonly, for impacted wisdom teeth. Patients who undergo a surgical extraction will usually be prescribed a painkiller and experience some swelling in the face near the site of extraction for a few days.
Replacing an Extracted Tooth
After tooth extraction, the remaining teeth will inevitably shift, and bone loss in the jaw will also occur. Though it is generally not an issue with the removal of wisdom teeth, Dr. Kwon & Dr. Davis might recommend a dental implant or other tooth replacement to be installed in the missing tooth’s place in order to prevent further complications and oral health issues.
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DFW Dental & Orthodontics
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why would a tooth need to be pulled?
A tooth may need to be removed if it's severely decayed, broken, impacted, affected by advanced gum disease, or crowding other teeth before orthodontic treatment.
Q. What's the difference between a simple and a surgical extraction?
A simple extraction removes a tooth that's fully visible above the gums. A surgical extraction is needed when a tooth has broken below the gumline or is impacted, and it involves removing some gum tissue or bone.
Q. Does a tooth extraction hurt?
We numb the area before we begin, so you should feel pressure but not sharp pain. Sedation is available if you're nervous. After a surgical extraction, your dentist will usually prescribe pain medication.
Q. How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
Simple extractions usually heal quickly. After a surgical extraction, some swelling for a few days is normal. Rest, eat soft foods, and for the first few days avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, and rinsing hard, which can cause a painful dry socket. Call us if bleeding doesn't slow, pain gets worse after a few days, or you develop a fever.
Q. Should I replace a pulled tooth?
Usually, yes. When a tooth is missing, nearby teeth can shift and the jawbone can shrink over time. Your dentist may recommend a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture.