Hearing that you need a tooth pulled can be scary. You might think of it as a painful and uncomfortable process, and it’s natural to feel some fear or anxiety. But you can trust Dr. Hugh Flax and the Flax Dental team to provide gentle and caring treatment throughout the procedure.
Our goal is to help you recover smoothly for a healthier, happier smile. Tooth extractions are one of the general dental services we offer to both new and existing patients in Sandy Springs, GA.
Tooth Extractions in Sandy Springs, GA
Removing a tooth from its socket in the jawbone is known as a tooth extraction. While we always aim to save your natural teeth, sometimes pulling a tooth is the best way to protect your oral health. Here are some common reasons for tooth extraction:
- Severe Decay: When a tooth has advanced decay, its structure can become too damaged. In such cases, removing the tooth can prevent the infection from spreading to other teeth.
- Gum Disease: Gum disease can make teeth loose, and sometimes the best option is to remove the affected tooth to protect the surrounding tissues.
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth, or third molars, often don’t have enough room to come in properly. They can become trapped under the gums, causing pain, infection, and damage to nearby teeth. In these cases, extraction is necessary.
- Crowded Teeth: In some orthodontic treatments, the dentist may need to remove a tooth to create space and help align the remaining teeth.
The Tooth Extraction Process
Before the extraction, our team will carefully examine your mouth. We will take X-rays, to check the condition of the tooth and surrounding areas. Dr. Flax will explain the procedure and answer any questions you have. We will make sure you are comfortable throughout the entire process.
- Anesthesia: We usually use local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. For more complex extractions or if you feel anxious, we also offer sedation to help you feel more at ease.
- Extraction: The tooth is gently loosened and then carefully removed using special tools. If the tooth is impacted, a small cut may be made in the gums to reach it.
- Stitching and Gauze: After the tooth is removed, Dr. Flax may use dissolvable stitches to help with healing. He will then place a piece of gauze over the area to control bleeding and help a clot form.
FAQ about Tooth Extraction
Will I feel pain during the extraction?
No, you should not feel pain during the extraction because of the local anesthesia. The numbing ensures that you won’t feel anything more than slight pressure or movement during the procedure. If at any point you feel discomfort, our team will adjust the anesthesia to ensure you remain pain-free.
For those who are especially anxious or undergoing a more complicated extraction, we also offer sedation options that can help you feel more relaxed and less aware of the procedure. Our priority is to keep you comfortable and at ease from beginning to end.
How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
Recovery times can vary depending on the complexity of the extraction and how well you follow post-care instructions. Generally, most people start to feel better within a few days, with the majority of healing happening within a week. Rest and avoid any strenuous activity during the first 24 hours. You should also follow a soft food diet and avoid drinking through a straw to prevent dislodging the blood clot that forms in the socket.
Swelling and mild discomfort are normal and manageable with ice packs and over-the-counter pain relievers. By the end of the week, most of the swelling should be gone, and you’ll be on your way to a full recovery.
Will I need a replacement tooth after extraction?
If a visible tooth, like a front tooth, is removed, it’s usually best to replace it to maintain the appearance of your smile and the function of your bite. Missing teeth can cause neighboring teeth to shift, leading to misalignment and bite issues. There are several options for replacing a missing tooth, including dental implants, bridges, or dentures.
Dental implants are a popular choice because they look and feel like natural teeth and help preserve the jawbone. Bridges are another option, where an artificial tooth is anchored to the adjacent teeth. Dentures, either full or partial, can also replace multiple missing teeth. During your consultation, your dentist will discuss the best option for your needs and help you make an informed decision.