Why Would a Tooth Need to Be Extracted and What Can You Expect?

At AD Smile Studio, we strive to save decayed or damaged teeth whenever possible, which we believe is the best possible outcome for your smile. However, there are times when extracting a tooth is the only viable option to prevent complications and safeguard your smile. Dr. Dao and his team strive to provide you with the best possible care, ensuring your comfort and well-being at every step.

Why Would You Need a Tooth Extraction?

The following are some of the reasons Dr. Dao may recommend having a tooth extracted:

• Deep decay or infection beyond repair with a filling, crown, or root canal treatment
• Advanced periodontal disease that has severely damaged the bone and structures supporting a tooth
• A severely cracked or fractured tooth that’s too extensive to repair
• To prepare for orthodontic treatment by making room for the remaining teeth to shift into alignment
• To remove painful, impacted, partially erupted, infected, or otherwise problematic wisdom teeth to prevent complications
• To remove failing teeth in preparation for tooth replacements, such as dentures or dental implants

What Can You Expect During a Tooth Extraction?

Dr. Dao will start by numbing the affected tooth for your comfort and may administer dental sedation, if needed, to help you feel calm and relaxed during treatment. Depending on the location of the tooth and your unique needs, he may perform a simple or surgical extraction. A simple extraction removes a tooth that’s visible and accessible. A surgical extraction, on the other hand, may be necessary when a tooth is impacted, broken below the gumline, or otherwise difficult to access. Dr. Dao and his team will ensure you are comfortable at every step.

What Is Socket Preservation?

After a tooth is lost or extracted, the bone in the area begins to resorb or shrink, leading to bone loss and changes in the shape of your mouth. Depending on the location of the extracted tooth, Dr. Dao may recommend socket preservation, which involves placing a bone grafting material in the tooth’s socket right after extraction. This helps preserve your bone, promotes healing, and prepares the area for future restoration with a dental implant. Even if you opt for dentures down the road, maintaining a natural ridge will help provide a more comfortable, stable, and functional restoration.

How Can You Promote Healing After Tooth Extraction?

It’s important to follow the post-operative care instructions we provide to promote healing and recovery. You may experience mild soreness or discomfort in the days following your procedure, which can be managed with over-the-counter or prescription pain relief medication. Make sure to eat soft foods for a few days and avoid drinking with a straw, smoking, or rinsing vigorously to prevent accidentally dislodging the clot forming in the tooth’s socket. Otherwise, you risk developing dry socket, a painful complication that requires professional care.

Tooth Extraction Near Me in Lavon, TX

At AD Smile Studio, we only recommend tooth extraction as a last resort, when repairing a tooth is not an option. Dr. Dao and his patient-centered team are happy to outline your tooth replacement options, such as a dental implant, traditional bridge, or partial denture to restore your complete, functional smile. We strive to provide you with top-tier care at every step. We invite you to call 972-850-2790, text, or book online today!