Tooth Extractions – Killeen, TX
Remove Troublesome Teeth to Improve Your Dental Health
Under normal circumstances, you can count on our team in Killeen to do everything we can to prevent potential problems or repair your natural teeth. But there are also circumstances in which we have no recourse but to remove troublesome teeth to improve your dental health.
It’s natural to have questions about how this procedure works or why it was recommended. Continue reading to learn more about what to expect, and please call the office if you require a same-day emergency appointment.
Why Choose Killeen Choice Dental for Tooth Extractions?
- Dentists with Decades of Combined Experience
- Offer Three Types of Dental Sedation
- Accept Insurance and Provide Flexible Financing
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
You’re not alone if you’re wondering why this procedure was recommended and whether it’s truly necessary. However, our team typically only suggests this procedure as a last resort when no other services can effectively address the problem.
There are several reasons you might need to have a tooth extracted, including:
- Treat a toothache that can’t be repaired with a root canal.
- Remove remaining teeth for dentures to fit properly after significant tooth loss.
- Make space for orthodontic services to be successful.
- Prevent severe decay, gum disease, or infection from spreading.
- Pull wisdom teeth that have become partially or fully impacted in your jaw or gums.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
Some patients feel nervous about their upcoming appointment, and understanding more about the process can help soothe any frayed nerves. Before we begin, our team will numb the area with a local anesthetic, and we can also provide dental sedation to help you feel comfortable and calm throughout the procedure.
Then, for a simple extraction, we will lift your tooth from the socket using a device known as an elevator. This makes it easier for us to grasp it with forceps, then gently wiggle it free from its socket. Sometimes, wisdom teeth removal requires a small incision in your gums to access them, and they may need to be removed in smaller pieces to avoid damaging your jawbone.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Our team will provide post-operative instructions to help you recover as effectively as possible while avoiding complications, such as a painful side effect known as dry socket.
Your mouth must form a blood clot over the extraction site to prevent this and other concerns, like potential infection. Many aftercare directions are intended to help preserve this clot, and can include:
- Getting plenty of rest and avoiding physical activities that elevate your heart rate or blood pressure.
- Drinking lots of water but not with a straw, because the force of suction can damage or dislodge the clot.
- Stick to softer, blander foods, such as scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, yogurt, blended smoothies, or applesauce.
- Rinse your mouth with salt water for the first 24 hours to gently cleanse the area, then resume brushing and flossing carefully.
- Avoid smoking or using other tobacco products.
- Take any over-the-counter or prescribed medications as directed.