We Make Tooth Extractions A Comfortable Process
Tooth Extractions are nothing to be afraid of. At Total Dental Care, we take great care to make sure you are comfortable throughout the process. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is always available, we offer comfy blankets to keep you warm, and you are welcome to bring your own headphones to listen to soothing music while we work.
It is always our goal to save a tooth whenever possible. But when a tooth cannot be saved, extraction is the only solution to maintain good overall dental health. Total Dental Care in Guntersville offers routine tooth extractions, surgical extractions, and wisdom teeth removal.
Extraction Process
Modern dentistry makes routine tooth extractions relatively comfortable, painless procedures. When pulling a tooth, a local anesthetic is applied first to numb the area. In some cases, your dentist will elect to use nitrous oxide gas (laughing gas) in addition to the anesthetic. A dental instrument called an elevator is used to wiggle the tooth in its socket. After the tooth is loosened, it is removed using forceps.
For seven days after the extraction, your tooth socket will require some care. You will be instructed to stay away from the empty tooth socket when brushing your teeth. Some bleeding can be expected, and pain medication may be prescribed for any residual discomfort.
Importance of Replacing the Missing Tooth
It is very important to replace the missing tooth whenever possible. Why? Once a tooth is removed, the space created by the missing tooth will allow the surrounding teeth to shift into the empty space. This shift, or “tipping”, could cause a misalignment in your mouth that can result in chewing problem or jaw-joint problems. These shifted teeth are also harder to clean, making them more susceptible to decay, gum disease, or even additional tooth loss. For these reasons, it’s important to replace the tooth with a dental bridge, dental implant, or a removable partial denture. Ask your doctor which is right for you.