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Tooth Extractions in San Antonio, TX
Up until adulthood, your only tooth extraction experience might have been our wisdom teeth. Even then, many adults have been fortunate to never need a tooth extraction. If you are looking at your first experience at getting a tooth professionally pulled in San Antonio, it is important to know that it is a very quick, relatively painless procedure. In fact, recovery is often as quick as a day or two.
At Empire Dental, our experienced dentists provide services for tooth extractions in a professional and comfortable environment. We understand that having a tooth extracted can be stressful, so we make sure to take the time needed to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the procedure. We can perform some extractions in our office, but we may refer you to an oral surgeon in some severe situations.
When to Get a Tooth Extracted
There are several reasons why you may need to have a tooth removed in San Antonio. Tooth extraction is usually the last resort after other treatments, such as root canals or fillings, are unsuccessful at saving the tooth.
Some of the most common indications for extraction include:
- Severe decay that has reached deep into the tooth and cannot be treated with a filling, root canal, or other treatment
- Impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth, that cause pain and crowd the mouth
- Teeth that have been severely damaged from trauma or injury
- Overcrowding of the teeth due to misalignment
- Risk of infection if a dead tooth remains in the mouth
How to Prepare for a Tooth Extraction
At Empire Dental, we will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for your tooth extraction in San Antonio. In general, try to avoid eating and drinking prior to the procedure as anesthesia may cause nausea afterward. You should also arrange transportation home after the appointment. Our experienced staff will be available to answer any questions or concerns you have prior to the procedure.
The Tooth Extraction Process
Before your extraction, you will have a consultation with one of our experienced dentists so that they can assess the condition of your teeth and determine whether or not an extraction is necessary. If it is decided that an extraction is the best option, we will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for your procedure.
Once you arrive for your appointment, we will numb the area surrounding the tooth so that you do not feel any pain during the extraction. Your dentist will then use specialized instruments to gently remove the tooth and stop any bleeding that may occur.
The Recovery Process
Recovery from minor tooth extractions is simple, quick, and easy. After the extraction, your dentist or their assistant will send you home with an instruction sheet on how to properly care for the extraction site. This may include gargling, rinsing, and avoiding certain foods for a day or two until the site has healed.
In extreme cases, patients may require prescribed pain medication. The dentist or oral surgeon will prescribe these if they feel it is needed to provide the patient with relief. Although, it is recommended to use ibuprofen or Tylenol for regular pain. The gums should fully heal in a matter of weeks, as long as the site is kept clean.
Replacing a Tooth After Extraction
If you are having a tooth extracted, our dentists can discuss your options for replacing a tooth. Your replacement options will depend on how many other teeth need to be replaced and where in the mouth the extraction was performed. Some of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures for replacing an extracted tooth include dental bridges, implants, or partial dentures.
Does a Tooth Extraction Hurt?
At Empire Dental, we make sure that you are comfortable throughout the entire procedure. We use local anesthetics to numb the area surrounding your tooth so that you do not feel any pain. After the procedure, you may experience some discomfort or swelling in that area, but this can typically be managed with over-the-counter medications.
Schedule Your San Antonio Tooth Extraction Consultation
Empire Dental is a modern dental office in San Antonio, Texas. We strive to provide all of our patients with the highest quality dental care. We understand that having a tooth extracted can be an intimidating process, which is why we make sure to take the time needed to ensure your procedure is at pleasant as possible. If you are experiencing emergency dental pain and think you might need a tooth extracted, contact us and we can assess your case. In some cases, we may decide you should see an oral surgeon. To learn more about our tooth extractions in San Antonio or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.