Tooth Extractions and Oral Surgery

 What You Need To Know

Introduction: Sometimes, preserving a tooth isn’t possible, and extraction becomes necessary for the health of your smile. Whether due to decay, injury, or overcrowding, tooth extractions and other oral surgeries are crucial to maintaining your overall dental health. At Lakeland Hills Dental, Dr. Joe and his expert team ensure your procedure is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary? While dentists strive to save natural teeth, certain situations require an extraction for the sake of your oral health. Dr. Joe may recommend a tooth extraction in the following cases:

• –  Severe Tooth Decay or Infection: When decay reaches the inner pulp of the tooth, and a root canal is not an option, extraction may be the best solution to prevent the infection from spreading.
• –  Crowded Teeth: If your teeth are too large for your mouth or you need more room for orthodontic treatment, extractions may be needed to create proper alignment.
• –  Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth often do not have enough space to grow in correctly, leading to pain, infection, or damage to surrounding teeth. Removing impacted wisdom teeth prevents these complications.
• –  Broken or Damaged Teeth: Teeth that are too badly damaged to be restored with crowns or fillings may require removal.

Types of Tooth Extractions: Dr. Joe offers two main types of tooth extractions:

• –  Simple Extractions: Performed when the tooth is visible and easily accessible. Local anesthesia is applied, and Dr. Joe gently loosens the tooth before removing it.
• –  Surgical Extractions: This involves removing teeth that are not easily accessible, such as impacted wisdom teeth or teeth broken below the gum line. Surgical extractions are more complex and may involve incisions into the gum tissue.

What to Expect During an Extraction:

• –  Step 1: Initial Consultation: Dr. Joe will perform a thorough examination, including X-rays, to determine the best course of action for your extraction.
• –  Step 2: The Procedure: On the day of the extraction, local anesthesia will be administered to ensure your comfort. In cases of surgical extraction, additional sedation options may be offered to help you relax.
• –  Step 3: Post-Operative Care: After the procedure, Dr. Joe will provide detailed instructions to promote healing and minimize discomfort. You may need to avoid certain foods and activities for a few days, but recovery is typically smooth when following post-op guidelines.

Why Trust Lakeland Hills Dental for Oral Surgery? Dr. Joe and his team are skilled in performing a variety of oral surgeries, ensuring that each procedure is conducted with precision and care. Patient comfort is a top priority, and we offer sedation options to make the experience as pain-free as possible.

Post-Extraction Oral Care: Proper care following a tooth extraction is essential to ensure a quick recovery and prevent complications like dry socket or infection. Here are some tips:

• –  Keep the Area Clean: Gently rinse your mouth with salt water, but avoid vigorous rinsing that can dislodge the clot.
• –  Avoid Certain Foods: Stick to soft foods for the first 24 hours, and avoid anything hard, crunchy, or spicy that may irritate the extraction site.
• –  Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort, and ice packs can reduce swelling.

Other Oral Surgery Services at Lakeland Hills Dental: In addition to tooth extractions, Lakeland Hills Dental offers a range of oral surgery services, including:

• –  Dental Implants: For those seeking tooth replacement solutions, dental implants provide a long-lasting, natural-looking option.
• –  Bone Grafting: If you’ve lost bone density due to tooth loss or gum disease, bone grafting may be necessary before placing implants.
• –  Gum Surgery: We offer treatments for advanced gum disease, including procedures to reshape and restore gum tissue.

Conclusion: If you require a tooth extraction or oral surgery, rest assured that you’re in good hands with Dr. Joe and the team at Lakeland Hills Dental. We provide expert care with a focus on patient comfort and long-term oral health.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation.