Tooth Extraction – Flint, MI
Protect Your Oral Health From Problematic Teeth
While we do everything possible to avoid extracting teeth unless absolutely necessary, there are some instances were a tooth is doing more harm than good to your oral health. Sometimes, a tooth is at risk of spreading infection to neighboring healthy teeth or is too damaged to stay in your jaw. In the event that we need to protect your oral health from problematic teeth, we’ll take the steps to safely and effectively remove it in a gentle and controlled manner. Called Dr. Naik today to schedule your tooth extraction in Flint, MI and protect your happy, healthy smile!
Why Choose Dr. Chitra P. Naik, DMD For Tooth Extractions?
- Sedation Dentistry Available for Nervous Patients
- Same-Day Emergency Care Provided
- Most Major Dental Insurance Plans Accepted
Do I Need a Tooth Extraction?
Thankfully, we can typically prevent most tooth extractions with routine preventive care, long-lasting restorations, and services like root canal therapy or gum disease treatment. However, tooth extraction may be the best option for the good of your smile if:
- A tooth is so damaged, decayed, or infected that it can’t be saved.
- An infected tooth is threatening the health of the rest of your mouth.
- Gum disease has irreversibly damaged the structures that hold your teeth in place.
- More space is needed in your mouth for a denture or orthodontic treatment.
- A wisdom tooth is trapped beneath the gumline or damaging the surrounding teeth.
What Does Treatment Entail?
After we’ve thoroughly examined your mouth and confirmed that extraction is the best option, we’ll start the process of numbing your tooth and the gum tissue surrounding it. This ensures that your treatment is as comfortable and pain-free as possible. After gently rocking the tooth back and forth using and elevator, we’ll make sure that the root has been broken from the periodontal ligament. Then, we’ll grasp the tooth with a pair of dental forceps and carefully remove it. Then, you’ll bite down on a gauze pad to stop any bleeding.
Different Types of Tooth Extractions
Dr. Naik provides different types of tooth extractions depending on each unique circumstance, including:
Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Most people simply don’t have enough room in their jaw for their third molars. As a result, these wisdom teeth may become impacted, or trapped in the jawbone underneath the gumline. There, they can collect bacteria, increase your risk of infections and tooth decay, and push your other teeth out of alignment. If it looks like your wisdom teeth pose a threat to the rest of your smile, we’ll recommend their extraction before they cause you any unnecessary damage or discomfort.
Multiple Tooth Extractions
Whether it’s the result of genetics, trauma, misalignment, or extensive decay, some patients may need to have several teeth removed at the same time. In these cases, we’ll take the time to sit down and go over the specifics of your unique situation, including which teeth need to be removed and why. We’ll also be happy to help you choose the tooth replacement option that’s right for you so you can get back to enjoying your complete set of pearly whites.
Post-Operative Care
After your tooth extraction, we’ll give you detailed instructions for how to care for your smile in the coming days and weeks. To ensure the healing process goes as smoothly and efficiently as possible, we will usually recommend that you:
- Gently bite down on the provided gauze pad for at least an hour after your procedure to stop the bleeding.
- Take it easy for the rest of the day and minimize your physical activity for the next several days.
- Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the side of your mouth that had the extraction(s).
- Take over-the-counter painkillers as directed an apply an ice pack to manage discomfort and swelling.
- Avoid spitting and using a straw for at least 24 hours after your tooth extraction.
- Keep up your normal dental care routine, but don’t brush the extraction site.
Tooth Extractions FAQs
Does getting a tooth extracted hurt?
Let’s begin with one of the most-asked questions about tooth extractions in Flint: Do they hurt? If this is a concern of yours, you’ll be happy to hear that the first step of the procedure is always to numb your mouth thoroughly. That way, you don’t feel any pain while we work to remove the tooth or teeth in question.
How should I prepare for my tooth extraction?
There are actually a few things we recommend doing to prepare for your tooth extraction, starting with bringing any questions you have to our team. It’s also important to purchase anything that you need for the recovery period beforehand, like soft foods and OTC pain medication. Finally, if you’re being sedated for the procedure, then arrange for an adult that you know and trust to drive you to and from our office.
Can I leave the space empty after a tooth extraction?
That depends on the reason why we’re performing an extraction in the first place! If we are removing it to make room in your mouth prior to orthodontic treatment, for example, then we want to leave the space empty. However, if the tooth in question is being removed because it’s damaged beyond the point of repair, then we will need to replace it with a dental bridge or implant so the appearance of the smile and the strength of your bite aren’t compromised.
How soon can I eat after my tooth extraction?
It’s important to wait at least an hour. Not only will this allow the gauze to stay in place and slow down the bleeding, but it will also ensure that the numbing agent wears off. It’s important that you regain full sensation in your mouth before you eat because, if you don’t, you could accidentally bite down on your tongue, your lips, or the insides of your cheeks without realizing it.
Once you do get the green light to eat, you should refer to the aftercare instructions you were given. We typically ask patients to stick to a liquid diet for the first 24 hours (without using a straw). After all, we recommend sticking to extremely soft foods, like plain yogurt, applesauce, non-hot soup, oatmeal, and cottage cheese.
What can I do to speed up the healing time?
If you’re antsy to get back to your usual routine, you might be tempted to resume your usual diet and exercise regimen sooner rather than later. However, doing so can lead to several issues, including delayed healing. That’s why it’s so important to follow the aftercare instructions from our emergency dentist to a tee! That starts with sticking to extremely soft foods and extends to avoiding strenuous exercise, like running.