Sometimes you need a tooth extraction if a tooth is too damaged to restore. Our dentist and team can perform a tooth extraction treatment in Atlanta and Sandy Springs, Georgia, to help ensure the health of your mouth. Dr. Maria Benefield will also help you choose a replacement option to restore the natural beauty of your smile. To learn more or schedule a consultation, we invite you to call Sandy Springs Dentistry at 404-252-1216 today. We also provide restorative and general dentistry options for our patients in Atlanta, GA.
What is a Tooth Extraction?
During a tooth extraction, our dentist removes a tooth from your mouth. While we do our best to save teeth whenever possible, sometimes removing a tooth is the best way to protect your overall oral health. This may be needed if a tooth is badly damaged, infected, or causing problems for other teeth.
After a tooth is removed, we can help you choose a replacement option to restore your smile. We offer high-quality treatments like dental implants, bridges, and dentures to keep your smile healthy, strong, and natural-looking.
Dr. Benefield uses great care and skill when performing a tooth extraction in Atlanta, GA. She wants to ensure that your experience is as comfortable and painless as possible. We will also provide you with detailed post-treatment care instructions so that you can properly take care of your smile as it heals.
When Do You Need a Tooth Extraction?
Sometimes we need to remove a tooth to protect your oral health. Here are some common reasons a tooth may need to be extracted:
- Advanced Gum Disease: Gum disease can damage the tissues and bone that support your teeth. If a tooth becomes too loose due to bone loss, removing it may be the best option to stop the infection from spreading.
- Severe Tooth Decay: When a tooth has too much decay, it may be too damaged to repair with a filling or crown. In these cases, a dental extraction may be the only option to prevent further problems.
- Crowded or Misaligned Teeth: If your teeth are too crowded, they may not fit properly in your mouth. Your wisdom teeth can also lead to tooth misalignment. Removing a tooth can create space for orthodontic treatment, like braces, to help straighten your smile.
- Trauma or Injury: A tooth that is badly cracked, broken, or damaged from an accident may need to be removed if it cannot be repaired.
- Infection or Abscess: A serious infection or abscess can cause pain and swelling. If the infection is too severe to treat with a root canal, extraction may be necessary to protect your overall health.
Before deciding on a tooth extraction, our team will thoroughly evaluate the tooth and discuss your options. Preserving natural teeth is preferred whenever possible, but in necessary situations, it is essential to prevent further complications.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars at the very back of your mouth. They usually come in during your late teens or early twenties. Most people have four wisdom teeth, but some have fewer or none at all.
Wisdom teeth often need to be extracted (removed) for a few reasons. First, if your mouth is too small, the wisdom teeth might get stuck (impacted) and not grow in properly. This can cause pain or damage to nearby teeth. Sometimes wisdom teeth grow sideways or at an angle, which can push against other teeth and cause problems.
Also, wisdom teeth can be hard to clean because they’re so far back, making them more likely to get cavities or infections. Wisdom teeth can push your other teeth out of place, messing up your bite or alignment.
Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. If they grow in straight, fit well, and don’t cause pain or problems, they can stay. But if they cause issues, a dentist or oral surgeon will recommend extraction to prevent further complications.
What Happens During a Tooth Extraction in Atlanta, GA
First, we will numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. This helps prevent pain during the procedure. If the tooth is impacted (stuck under the gums) or requires surgical removal we may recommend sedation to keep you comfortable.
For a simple extraction, we use special tools to loosen the tooth and gently remove it. You may feel some pressure but you shouldn’t feel pain.
A surgical or complex extraction for impacted or broken teeth. For these extractoins, we will make a small cut in the gum to remove the tooth. We may sometimes take the tooth out in pieces to make the process easier.
After removing the tooth, we will place gauze over the area to help stop bleeding.
Aftercare Instructions
Proper aftercare is important to help your mouth heal after a tooth extraction. Following these steps can reduce pain, prevent complications, and speed up recovery.
Control Bleeding
Right after the procedure, your dentist will place a gauze pad over the extraction site. Bite down gently and keep it in place for about 30 to 45 minutes. This helps form a blood clot, which is important for healing. If bleeding continues, replace the gauze with a fresh one and bite down gently. If heavy bleeding lasts more than a few hours, contact your dentist.
Rest and Take It Easy
Give your body time to heal by avoiding heavy lifting, intense exercise, or strenuous activities for at least 24 hours. Resting will help prevent excessive bleeding and swelling.
Protect the Blood Clot
For the first 24 hours, avoid rinsing, spitting, drinking through a straw, or smoking. These actions can dislodge the blood clot and lead to dry socket, a painful condition that delays healing.
Reduce Swelling and Pain
Apply an ice pack to your cheek for 15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and discomfort. Take pain medication as prescribed by our dentist. We may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection and manage discomfort.
Eat Soft Foods
Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods like yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and soup for the first few days. Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or hard foods that can irritate the area. Drink plenty of water but avoid using a straw.
Keep Your Mouth Clean
After 24 hours, you can gently rinse with warm salt water (½ teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) a few times a day to keep the area clean. Brush your teeth carefully, avoiding the extraction site.
If you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, swelling that worsens, or signs of infection like fever, contact your dentist right away. Most people recover within a few days and can return to normal activities soon.
Restore Your Dental Health
Get a comfortable tooth extraction in Atlanta, GA. Call our office today at 470-999-6489. You can also request an appointment with us online.