What Are Tooth Extractions?
Sometimes, even with the best dental care, a tooth may reach a point where it needs to be removed. Tooth extractions are designed to carefully take out a tooth from the mouth, either due to decay, damage, or overcrowding. There are two main types of dental extractions: simple extractions and surgical extractions. At 5 Star Dental Group, our priority is your comfort and well-being during any dental extraction procedure. To help patients feel calm and at ease, various sedation options are available, including nitrous oxide and oral-conscious sedation. These options are designed to provide a more comfortable experience. Schedule an exam with our team at our San Antonio, TX practice where we perform tooth extractions and provide you with greater confidence and less stress.
What Should I Expect During A Tooth Extraction?
If a tooth extraction has been recommended, understanding what to expect can make the experience smoother. Extractions are done in-office under local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth being removed. If additional comfort is needed, sedation options are available to help you relax. For a simple extraction, the tooth is gently loosened using a tool called an elevator and then carefully removed. In cases where a surgical extraction is needed, our team makes a small incision in the gum to access the tooth. Sometimes, breaking the tooth into smaller parts is necessary to remove it safely. After the extraction, you may experience some numbness that will wear off over the next few hours. Mild swelling and tenderness in the area are normal and full healing from a tooth extraction may take a few weeks. During the first 24 hours, stick to soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow, such as yogurt, smoothies, applesauce, and mashed potatoes. Hot, spicy, crunchy, or chewy food can irritate the area or dislodge the clot. Remember to avoid using a straw for at least a few days to avoid complications, like a dry socket.
What To Expect After Tooth Extraction
Depending on the type of sedation used for your tooth extraction, you may need to have a responsible adult drive you home after the procedure. As your gums heal, it’s important to avoid smoking, drinking through straws, and spitting to prevent complications. Recovery times can vary based on how complex the extraction was, but most patients stick to soft, room-temperature foods for the first few days. Our 5 Star Dental Group team will walk you through exactly what to expect during your recovery and how to care for your gums at home. Some swelling is normal, and cold compresses along with over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease discomfort. If needed, we may also prescribe pain medication or antibiotics to support the healing process. In addition to any scheduled follow-up visits, make sure to keep up with routine dental exams and cleanings at 5 Star Dental Group. These visits allow our team to monitor your progress and support your overall oral health after an extraction.
What Are the Benefits of Tooth Extractions?
Undergoing a tooth extraction may seem daunting, but it can bring significant health and comfort benefits, particularly when performed by our experienced team at 5 Star Dental Group in San Antonio, TX. Some advantages include:
- Relieves pain from a damaged or infected tooth
- Protects surrounding teeth, preventing the spread of decay or infection
- Creates room for further dental work, such as dental implants, braces, or other corrective procedures
- Improves oral health by stopping or slowing potential damage to gums and bones
- Minimally invasive with local anesthesia and sedation options available
Tooth Extractions Reviews
WOW!!! One way to sum it all up - Left wisdom tooth had begun to ache and the pain was spreading when I called for an appt. His staff got me in the next day at 9:20am.After I spoke with Rosie, the pain began to mitigate, but was still present when I arrived in the office. Karen confirmed that there was a problem with the left lower wisdom tooth which included what left of an abscess. Dr. Tostado confirmed this and explained my options. One of them was the idea that he his wife, Dr. Acuna would be working on me with the goal of removing the errant tooth.Folks, they not only did that, but they also removed the upper companion wisdom tooth, as well.That upper wisdom tooth was more than difficult for them to work as a team to final remove it. As Dr. Acuna did more than her part, the crown on the tooth nest to it broke which required her to replace it.ALL of this work took about 6 hours….6 HOURS!! They never gave up on my and then she continued with post-op care training. It was all done by 4pm. WOW!!!!
In just one word , excellence.
Everyone was professional.
3
Total Reviews
5
Average Rating
Am I A Candidate for Tooth Extraction?
If a tooth has been damaged by decay or injury, our team at 5 Star Dental Group will always try to save it with a crown, bonding, or filling whenever possible. But if the damage is too extensive, removing the tooth may be the best way to stop the decay from spreading and protect the rest of your smile. Extractions are also common when there’s not enough room in the mouth, like with wisdom teeth, which usually come in between the ages of 17 and 21. In some cases, baby teeth that haven’t fallen out naturally may need to be removed to make way for permanent teeth. And if you’re preparing for orthodontic treatment, such as braces or Invisalign, an extraction might be needed to create the space necessary for your teeth to shift into proper alignment.
Tooth Extraction FAQ
What can you eat after a tooth extraction?
It is important to know what to eat during the first 48 hours after your tooth extraction to ensure a smooth recovery. During this time, you may still experience some swelling or discomfort, so it is best to consume soft and easy-to-chew foods to avoid irritating the extraction site. After a few days of recovery, you can gradually expand your food choices.
How long does it take for a tooth extraction to heal?
Recovery after tooth extraction depends on the type of extraction as well as your overall health. Most patients notice an improvement in discomfort after a few days, while complete recovery can take up to a few weeks. It is important to follow any post-op instructions provided to you. If you experience any complications, be sure to contact 5 Star Dental Group.
Can I brush my teeth after a tooth extraction?
It is generally safe to brush your teeth after a tooth extraction, as long as you are careful to avoid the extraction site. However, our team may recommend refraining from brushing for a specific time. After your treatment, a member of our team will discuss this timeframe with you, along with other practices to avoid after the extraction. Our goal is to ensure you have a smooth and comfortable recovery.
Prioritizing Your Comfort
5 Star Dental Group is committed to providing personalized care that prioritizes your comfort and oral health. With years of experience and a caring approach, our San Antonio, TX team ensures you feel informed and supported throughout your treatment. When you're ready to enhance your smile and overall oral health, our team is here to guide you through each step of the process. Our practice is the go-to place for proficient dental extractions and tooth removal. Reach out today to discover how 5 Star Dental Group can help you achieve a healthier, happier smile.