Tooth Extractions – Indian Land, SC

Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary

At BridgeMill Dental Care, tooth extractions are only recommended if the tooth in question cannot be salvaged using a dental crown or root canal therapy. Although preserving as much of the natural tooth structure as possible is ideal, removal may be the best option for your oral health if you have:

• Extensive decay or irreparable damage to a tooth
• Severe infection that could spread
• Advanced periodontal disease or jawbone loss
• Primary tooth that hasn’t fallen out
• Impacted tooth

The Process of Removing a Tooth

The last bit of advice you want to hear from your dentist is to have a tooth pulled. However, it may surprise you to learn an extraction is not as terrifying as it sounds! There are two methods commonly used for removing a tooth: simple and surgical.

A simple extraction is done for a tooth that has fully erupted and is completely above the gumline. After Dr. Candon numbs your mouth, he’ll grasp the tooth with dental forceps and rock it back and forth until it separates from the gum tissue.

Meanwhile, a surgical extraction is an ideal option for a tooth that isn’t fully above the gumline. This method involves making a small incision in the gums to access the tooth. Like a simple extraction, dental forceps will be used to grasp the tooth and remove it. 

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

Following your tooth extraction, you’ll receive post-op instructions from your dentist in Indian Land that you’ll need to follow diligently to make a swift and comfortable recovery. By keeping your mouth as clean as possible, you can ensure the surgical site heals properly. Here are some aftercare tips to keep in mind:

• Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as needed to alleviate your discomfort.
• Gently brush and floss around the surgical site to keep it clean.
• Rinse with warm salt water after 24 hours to disinfect the site.
• Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest to promote faster healing.
• Use a cold compress on the outside of your mouth to minimize pain and swelling.
• Avoid drinking from a straw.
• Do not eat hard, crunchy, sticky, sour, or spicy foods for the first few days.

Tooth Extractions FAQs

Have you been told that you’re in need of a tooth extraction? You may still have some unanswered questions about the procedure, so we’re here to help! Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about tooth extractions in Indian Land. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, don’t worry. Give us a call and we’d be happy to walk you through the treatment so that you know what to expect.

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