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. We aim to help you recover smoothly for a healthier, happier smile. Tooth extractions are one of the general dental services we offer to new and existing patients in Atlanta and Sandy Springs, GA.
Reasons for Tooth Extractions
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. Infection can weaken the enamel, increasing the risk of pain and sensitivity. In such cases, we recommend removing the tooth to prevent the disease from spreading to other teeth.
- Gum Disease: Gum disease can loosen teeth. Sometimes, the best option is to remove the affected tooth to protect the surrounding tissues, including the gums and bone. This can help protect the surrounding tissues, including the gums and bone, from further damage. If the tooth is left in place, it can create more problems, such as increased infection or tooth loss.
- 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, an extraction is necessary.
- Crowded Teeth: We might need to remove a tooth to create space and help align the other teeth. Once a tooth is removed, the orthodontic treatment can go more smoothly. The extra space allows the remaining teeth to shift into better positions, improving their function and appearance. This is especially helpful for problems like a bad bite, where the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together correctly.
The Tooth Extraction Process
Before the extraction, our team will carefully examine your mouth and take X-rays to check the tooth’s condition 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.
First, we 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. Then, we gently loosen and remove the tooth using special tools. If you have an impacted tooth, we may make a small cut in the gums to reach it.
After the tooth is removed, Dr. Flax may use dissolvable stitches to help heal. He will then place a piece of gauze over the area to control bleeding and help a clot form.
How to Prevent Dry Socket
Dry socket is a painful condition that can occur after a tooth is pulled, especially a wisdom tooth. Normally, when a tooth is removed, a blood clot forms in the space where the tooth was.
This clot helps protect the bone and nerves underneath as they heal. In dry socket, this blood clot either doesn’t form or gets dislodged too soon. The bone and nerves are exposed without the clot, which can cause severe pain and delay healing.
You can take several steps to prevent dry socket after a tooth extraction:
- Avoid Certain Activities: Avoid heavy exercise or lifting at least 24 hours after tooth extraction. These activities can dislodge the blood clot. Increased blood flow to the area from exercising can disrupt healing.
- Don’t Use Straws: Sucking on a straw can create pressure in your mouth that may remove the blood clot. Instead, drink from a cup. You can sip your beverages without creating the suction that comes with using a straw.
- Stay Away from Smoking: If you smoke, try to avoid it for at least 48 hours after your tooth extraction. The suction can lead to dry socket. The chemicals in tobacco products also create a dry environment that encourages bacterial growth.
- Eat Soft Foods: For a few days, stick to soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, and smoothies. Avoid hard or crunchy foods that could disturb the area.
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: While you should avoid brushing directly on the extraction site for a few days, you can gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep it clean and help the healing process. We will provide a pipette to gently rinse the area. Gentle cleaning is best directly after treatment.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Learn more about tooth extraction treatment in Atlanta and Sandy Springs, GA, with answers to these commonly asked questions:
Will I feel pain during the extraction?
No, because of the local anesthesia, you should not feel pain during the extraction. The numbing ensures 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 most 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. Several options for replacing a missing tooth include dental implants, bridges, or dentures.
Dental implants are popular because they look and feel like natural teeth and help preserve the jawbone. Bridges are another option, anchoring an artificial tooth to adjacent teeth. Dentures, either full or partial, can also replace multiple missing teeth. During your consultation, our dentist will discuss the best option for your needs and help you make an informed decision.
Restore Your Comfort
Flax Dental offers tooth extraction treatment in Sandy Springs and Atlanta, GA. Call 470-635-3604 or schedule an appointment with Dr. Flax on our website. Let us know if you have treatment questions; we will be happy to help.