Tooth Extractions
San Antonio, TX

 

 

Comprehensive Dentistry
“Teeth for a Lifetime” Examination
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Restorative Dentistry
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Extractions
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IV Sedation

Because maintaining excellent oral health tends to coincide with protecting and preserving your natural teeth, we will do everything in our power to keep them firmly in place. Sometimes, due to either injury or disease, a tooth must be removed. When this happens, you will undergo something that is known as a tooth extraction. This is the process of removing a tooth from your mouth. This is a procedure that worries many individuals and one that seems to be somewhat misunderstood. At Excellent Dental Specialists, we believe that you deserve the best, most comfortable care possible. That’s why we’re going to take the time to explain the extraction process in more depth so that you can face your tooth extraction informed and, hopefully, without fear.

Are tooth extractions difficult procedures?

There are many reasons to remove a tooth. Depending upon why your tooth is being removed, the answer to this question can vary. In general, tooth extraction is a fairly straightforward process. If your tooth is impacted, or there is a lot of decay or infection that will need to be treated along the way, then the process might be a more complicated one. If your tooth cannot be removed in one piece, then it will need to be broken apart and removed in pieces—this is another factor that can increase the amount of time you spend in the chair.

Are tooth extractions painful?

This is where much of the misconception regarding tooth extractions is situated. Many people are worried that the tooth extraction process itself is a painful one—they are worried that they will spend their time in the office in pain. Please keep in mind that today’s tooth extractions are handled just like any other form of dental surgery. The area in question will be numbed before the procedure begins, and you will not be able to feel any pain. That means that you don’t have anything to worry about during the procedure.

Does it take a long time to recover from a tooth extraction?

Patient getting a tooth extraction at Excellent Dental Specialists in San Antonio, TX.The healing process for a tooth extraction is not an overly involved one. You might be given prescription pain relievers to use after surgery, depending upon the complexity of your particular situation. Whether you are given prescription medication or opt for an OTC painkiller, you should make sure to take the medication once the local anesthetic wears off. Keep your mouth clean and drink plenty of water, avoiding hot foods or liquids. You will also need to avoid anything that creates suction in your mouth, like smoking or using a straw, for the first few days after surgery.

The overall healing time for an extraction, from beginning to end, is usually around 30 days. Note that you should only need to restrict your activities for the first 24–48 hours after the procedure, however, and that any stitches placed can typically be removed after about a week. The remaining three weeks shouldn’t impact your daily activities.

If you think you might need a tooth extraction, contact us to learn about how we can help!