Welcome to Coastal Dental Care, your dentist office in the heart of Nederland, TX. As a leading dental healthcare provider, we pride ourselves on high-quality services. We also keep our patients well-informed about treatment, including tooth extractions. A tooth extraction is a common dental procedure in Nederland, TX, for infected, damaged, or overcrowded teeth.
During this routine treatment, we remove a tooth from its socket in the bone. However, our dentists do not take this procedure lightly. We only recommend an extraction when we cannot save a tooth with other treatments.
Choosing Coastal Dental Care for Your Tooth Extraction
Tooth extractions need professional care. Extractions require both technical skill and a knowledge base to treat potential complications. When you have access to a reliable dental office with experienced dentists it ensures a smooth and anxiety-free process.
Our office also understands many patients may fear pain during treatments like extractions. However, we ensure comfortable care. We use anesthetic and sedation as needed for pain-free tooth extractions.
Why Do You Need a Tooth Extraction?
You may need tooth removal for many reasons, including:
- Tooth Decay: If we cannot provide a filling or root canal to save an infected tooth, we must remove it.
- Gum Disease: When you develop advanced gum disease, it destroys supporting structures around teeth. As a result, you have loose teeth and deep gum pockets.
- Crowding: Overcrowding is a concern because there isn’t enough room in your mouth for all your teeth. Certain orthodontic cases require space we can create by extracting one or more teeth.
- Infection Risks: A compromised immune system can increase the risk of infection. As a result, you may need extraction.
- Impacted Teeth: Tooth impaction happens when a tooth fails to erupt due to a blockage or unusual positioning. When a tooth does not have room to grow, it can lead to overcrowding. It can even increase the risk of infection.
Types of Tooth Extraction in Nederland, TX
Our office provides two main types of tooth removal: simple and surgical tooth extractions. We provide simple extractions for visible teeth, where instruments can easily grip and remove them. We use anesthetic to numb the tooth before we remove teeth above the gum line.
If simple ones aren’t possible, we recommend surgical extractions. These complex extractions can remove teeth at or below the gums. Because removing these teeth can take time, we may recommend sedation.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
The wisdom teeth, or the “third molars” are the final permanent teeth. These teeth grow in the back of the mouth, behind the molars. While most patients do not need these teeth removed, we provide wisdom tooth extraction for patients with impacted teeth.
When the wisdom teeth grow, there is often not enough room for them to emerge. As a result, these teeth can overcrowd the mouth or damage the molars.
If you begin to feel pain behind your molars, it may be your wisdom teeth. Contact our office and we will X-rays. We will see if you need wisdom teeth removal.
The Tooth Extraction Process in our Nederland, TX Office
The process begins with a consultation, during which we discuss symptoms. We will also review your medical history, medications, and dental concerns.
Then, we will use advanced diagnostic tools for a thorough examination. Digital X-rays help us see the teeth, gums, and jaw bone. These X-rays also help us see infection within teeth or growing teeth. Once we determine that you need an extraction, we will create a treatment plan that aligns with your needs.
We prioritize patient comfort during any surgical treatment. Our office will numb the mouth first for comfortable treatment. However, this does not completely eliminate post-treatment discomfort. To this end, we provide solutions to reduce any soreness. Our dentists will closely monitor you even after treatment.
Post-Tooth Extraction Aftercare
We deeply value our patients’ recovery after tooth extraction. Our office will provide detailed guidelines on diet, rest patterns, and medication management. Generally, we recommend that you follow these instructions after treatment:
- Eat Soft Foods: Mashed potatoes, pasta, soup, and smoothies are great foods to eat after a tooth extraction. We recommend avoiding hard or crunchy foods to reduce irritation and pain as you heal.
- Use a Cold Compress: To combat swelling, place an ice pack on the outside of your cheek. Apply ice to the area for fifteen minutes at a time.
- Keep Gauze Over The Extraction Sites: We place gauze over the extraction sites right after tooth removal. Continue to bite down on the gauze and switch it out until the bleeding stops.
- Take Medication: We may prescribe pain medication as the anesthetic or sedation wears off. For the best results, take this medication as prescribed.
All medical procedures have complications, and tooth extractions are no exception. Common complications include dry socket. You can develop a dry socket if a blood clot does not form or is dislodged from the extraction site. This problem exposes the bone and nerves, causing severe pain.
Our office can intervene early if you have pain or complications. If you notice continual bleeding days after treatment or experience dry socket, call our office.
Your Insurance Coverage and Costs
Treatment costs vary depending on individual cases. However, are transparent about all associated fees ahead of time. Our office will also accept various insurance plans and offer assistance in understanding claims processing. Insurance will cover at least part of the cost of general dentistry treatments like root canal therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I brush my teeth after a tooth extraction?
After a tooth extraction, avoid brushing the extraction site for the first 24 hours. You can gently brush other teeth during this time but carefully avoid the extraction area. After 24 hours, gradually resume gentle brushing. However, you should continue to be cautious around the extraction site for about a week. Lastly, you should always follow your dentist’s post-operative instructions for the best healing outcomes.
When can I stop using gauze after wisdom tooth extraction?
You can usually stop using gauze about two to three hours after your wisdom tooth extraction. The gauze helps control bleeding and form a clot. Once the bleeding has slowed down and a clot has formed, you can remove the gauze. However, if the bleeding persists, replace the gauze and bite down for another 30-60 minutes. Lastly, if bleeding continues beyond that, contact your dentist.
Can I use a straw one week after tooth extraction?
We don’t recommend using a straw one week after tooth extraction. Most dentists advise waiting at least 1-2 weeks to avoid dislodging the blood clot. Moreover, using a straw creates a suction that can disrupt this clot. This could lead to complications like dry socket.
Should I replace my tooth after extraction?
You should consider replacing an extracted tooth to maintain proper oral health. Missing teeth can cause issues like shifting teeth, bite problems, and bone loss in your jaw. Options for replacement include dental implants, bridges, and dentures. Talk with your dentist to determine the best choice for your needs and situation.
Is a bone graft necessary after wisdom tooth extraction?
A bone graft is not usually necessary after a wisdom tooth extraction. Wisdom teeth are at the back of your mouth and don’t typically affect the jawbone structure or other teeth when removed. However, if there is serious bone loss or you’re planning for future dental implants in that area, your dentist might recommend it. Always discuss your situation with your dentist for the best advice.
What helps gums heal faster after extraction?
Keeping the site clean can help your gums heal faster after an extraction. After the first 24 hours, gently rinse with salt water. Avoid smoking and use straws to prevent dislodging the clot. Eating soft foods and avoiding eating near the extraction site can also help. Lastly, it is important to follow your dentist’s instructions regarding medication and oral care.
Restore Your Health
Get comfortable tooth extraction treatment in our Nederland, TX, office today. Schedule an appointment with Coastal Dental Care online or call 409-215-2035.
We aim to ensure gentle yet efficient treatments for patients. Let us know if you have any questions about treatment. We’re here to help.