Gentle Tooth Extractions in Spring Lake, NC
Our adult teeth are made to last us a lifetime—but that’s not always what ends up happening. Whether due to an injury, a health condition, or something else, a situation can arise where a tooth extraction is the best course of action for maintaining a healthy smile. We know the thought of that can be intimidating for patients but our gentle, experienced team is here to look after your wellbeing, all while ensuring your comfort and safety.
Reasons for a Tooth Extraction
Before we dive into the different scenarios where a tooth extraction might be necessary, we want to make it clear that we will always consider every other course of action before recommending tooth removal. Then and only then will we move forward. When a tooth that should be pulled is instead ignored, it can end up causing further infection and damage to your surrounding teeth.
These are some of the most common reasons for extracting a tooth:
- Severe decay
- Severe damage
- Severe infection
- Severe gum disease
- Crowding
- Impacted tooth
What to Expect with a Dental Extraction
Before beginning anything, we’ll perform a thorough exam and take X-rays in order to precisely plan your tooth extraction. Every patient’s case is unique, and we want to make sure that your individual needs are accounted for.
When it’s time for your actual dental extraction, we’ll apply a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area and minimize your discomfort. If we have decided on an additional form of anesthesia or sedation, we will also administer that. Then, we’ll remove the tooth.
Once the extraction is finished, we may have you bite down on some gauze to help a blood clot form and control any bleeding that might occur. We’ll also give you some aftercare guidelines in person that you can follow during your recovery.
Will a tooth extraction stop infection?
Tooth extractions are often one of the last solutions for treating an infection. In many cases, we try to treat the infected tooth with antibiotics. However, if the tooth’s internal structure is affected, a tooth extraction may be best. By removing the source of infection, the infection is prevented from spreading to surrounding tissues. Following the extraction, proper post-operative care and any prescribed antibiotics further contribute to the resolution of the infection, promoting better oral health.
Can a tooth extraction affect your sinuses?
In upper jaw tooth extractions, particularly in the back molars, there is a potential for the sinus cavity to be affected. If the sinus cavity is impacted during extraction, this can lead to sinus issues such as sinusitis or temporary changes in nasal airflow. However, our experienced professionals take proper precautions and use advanced technology to minimize such complications, and post-operative care helps reduce the impact on sinus function.
How can I prepare for my tooth extraction?
Once your tooth extraction is scheduled, we will provide you with personal tips on how to prepare. In most cases, our tips will include not eating for a specific amount of time before the procedure, arranging for transportation if sedation is involved, understanding when to take prescribed medications, wearing comfortable clothing, and being ready to rest post-extraction.