Tooth Extractions – Fort Worth, TX
Comfortably Remove Problematic Teeth
Under normal circumstances, Dr. Neil provides services to protect and preserve your teeth and gums, like preventive care to avoid oral issues and restorative treatments to address any areas of concern, like cavities, gum disease, or injured enamel.
However, if you have a severely damaged, decayed, or destabilized tooth that puts your smile at risk, these options might not be sufficient to fix it. In such circumstances, our team can comfortably remove problematic teeth with an extraction procedure, often followed by an appropriate replacement. Continue reading to learn more about why this is sometimes necessary, and please don’t hesitate to contact us for additional information.
Why Choose Karen Neil Fort Worth Dentistry for Tooth Extractions?
- Caring Dentist with Decades of Experience
- Advanced Technology to Enhance Patient Experience
- Sedation Available for Improved Comfort
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
Many patients in Fort Worth question whether an extraction is truly necessary and whether other solutions, like a tooth-colored filling or root canal procedure, might address the issue. But if Dr. Neil has recommended removal, it’s likely because she has already determined these services won’t be effective.
She might suggest this treatment if you have:
- Developed decay, disease, or damage so severe that it can’t be repaired.
- To make room in your mouth to successfully complete orthodontics.
- A few remaining teeth that are preventing you from being fitted with dentures.
- A wobbly, loose, or destabilized permanent tooth.
- Partially erupted, infected, or impacted wisdom teeth.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
It might vary slightly based on your unique circumstances, but usually our team begins the procedure by applying a local anesthetic to numb the affected area. This is often sufficient to alleviate aches, so you might feel pressure while we work, but not pain. However, we also offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) that’s inhaled through a gas mask placed over your nose to help you feel comfortable.
Then, we’ll lift your tooth from the socket slightly using a small dental device called an elevator. This allows Dr. Neil to grasp the tooth firmly with forceps and wiggle it gently until it comes free of the connective tissues. If your tooth is impacted or partially erupted, which frequently happens when wisdom teeth arrive, we may have to create an opening in your gums to access it. Larger teeth may also need to be broken into smaller pieces to be removed without harming your jawbone.
Finally, we’ll discuss potential replacement options to avoid possible complications from tooth loss, like dental drifting or a thinning jawbone.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Once your procedure is complete, your mouth must form a blood clot over the recently exposed nerves and bone tissue to prevent a potentially painful side effect known as dry socket. Many post-op instructions are designed to preserve it so you can recover quickly and without issues.
Some typical directions might include:
- Get plenty of rest and avoid physical activities that elevate your heart rate or blood pressure, which can dislodge the clot.
- Drink fluids to stay hydrated and keep your mouth clean, but don’t use a straw because the force of suction can damage the clot.
- Don’t smoke vapes, cigarettes, or use other tobacco products that contain nicotine, which suppresses your immunity and significantly increases the risk of complications.
- Prop your head up to sleep so fluids don’t pool behind the extraction site, which increases throbbing.
- Take any prescribed antibiotics or pain medications exactly as directed.
- Address aches with ice packs or over-the-counter options like Tylenol or ibuprofen.