Tooth Extractions – Hoover, AL
Comfortable, Safe, and Effective Tooth Removal
During your exam, Dr. Moulton may determine that you need a tooth extraction, which can be due to a number of different reasons. For one, teeth may be significantly decayed. In other cases, advanced gum disease could have damaged them in such a way that is beyond repair. Additionally, if they are trapped underneath existing teeth (impacted) or preventing you from starting orthodontic treatment, they may need to be removed with safe, predictable tooth extractions in Hoover, AL.
Why Choose Moulton Dentistry of Hoover for Tooth Extractions?
- Soft Tissue Laser Technology Improves Comfort and Precision
- Nitrous Oxide to Help Put You at Ease
- Relaxing Dental Office Environment Dedicated to Your Comfort
Why We Typically Avoid Tooth Extractions
When a tooth is removed, it often leads to issues with your ability to chew food. It can also cause problems to your jaw joint, make neighboring teeth to shift out of place, and even result in a major negative impact on your oral health.
In most cases, we can avoid these complications. During your consultation, Dr. Moulton will discuss treatments that can act as alternatives to an extraction. He’ll also go over how to best replace the missing tooth.
What to Expect from Tooth Extraction
To start, Dr. Moulton will numb your tooth, the gums surrounding the tooth, and the jaw bone with a local anesthetic.
During treatment, you’ll feel a small amount of pressure. This pressure is caused by the dentist rocking the tooth back and forth, which widens the socket. This makes it easier for removal.
While you may feel pressure, there’s no pain present because your nerves have been numbed by the local anesthetic. This means we can stop any transference of pain, even though the nerves responsible for transferring pressure aren’t significantly affected.
If at any point you experience pain or discomfort during your treatment, don’t hesitate to let us know as soon as possible.
The Tooth Sectioning Process
In some cases, a tooth needs to be sectioned. When a tooth is firmly anchored in the socket or curved in a way that prevents us from widening the socket enough for removal, we can carefully break down the tooth into smaller pieces. This is a relatively common procedure that Dr. Moulton has significant experience performing.
Treatment Following the Tooth Extraction
It’s essential that a blood clot forms after the tooth is extracted. This stops bleeding and allows the socket to begin the healing process. We’ll ask you to bite down onto a gauze pad immediately following the appointment, typically for about 30 to 45 minutes. Place another gauze pad and bite down firmly for about 30 minutes if any bleeding or oozing continues after the initial placement. Be prepared to add additional gauze pads as needed to control the bleeding.
Once a blood clot forms, make sure you do not disturb it under any circumstances. Do not rinse the wound vigorously as this can easily dislodge it. Avoid brushing teeth near the extraction site, smoking, drinking alcohol, or using a straw for the next 72 hours. Doing so can also dissolve or dislodge the clot and negatively affect the healing process. Do not exercise for at least 24 hours following treatment. Active movement increases your blood pressure, which then can cause increased bleeding.
It’s common to feel some mild discomfort and swelling following your extraction. To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables to your face. Just make sure to wrap it in a towel first to avoid direct contact with the skin. If you have prescribed pain medications, take them as instructed. Swelling should subside after about 48 hours.
Take all pain medications as instructed by Dr. Moulton. If the medication does not appear to be helping, call our dental office right away. Continue to take antibiotics as prescribed even if your signs and symptoms start to disappear. Pay close attention to your fluid intake and make sure to drink plenty of water as you heal. Keep to a diet of soft food on the day of your treatment. Once you feel more comfortable, you can restart your normal diet.
Make sure to continue your daily brushing and flossing after 24 hours have passed. This includes brushing and flossing daily. Doing so will accelerate the healing process and keep your mouth as clean as possible.
Once a few days have passed, you should start to feel normal and be able to resume your regular activities. However, if swelling, heavy bleeding, or severe discomfort continues for more than three days, or you react negatively to your medication, call our dental office as soon as possible.