Tooth Extractions – Fayetteville, NC

Reasons Why Tooth Extractions are Necessary

Unlike other dental options, tooth extractions are a last resort. Dentists will only perform them in dire situations. That’s to be expected – your natural teeth are the best tools for biting, chewing, and smiling. As such, a dentist would much rather perform a root canal or a dental crown instead.

With all that said, an extraction may be necessary to protect your oral health. We may suggest you get one if you suffer from any of the following:

• A tooth with a cavity that can’t be repaired
• Impacted wisdom teeth
• A growing tooth infection
• Loss of the bone needed to support a tooth
• Broken teeth that can’t be put back together

The Process of Removing a Tooth

Dr. Ruff will assess how (and whether) to extract your tooth at the consultation visit. If she proceeds with treatment, she’ll either perform a simple extraction or a surgical one.

If the tooth is visible, you’ll receive a simple extraction. This method will remove your pearly white after the problem area is numbed. To be specific, Dr. Ruff will use dental forceps to rock your tooth back and forth until it separates from your gums.

A surgical extraction is done for those teeth that don’t fully erupt. In particular, it has Dr. Ruff make an incision in your gums to gain better access. She then divides and removes the tooth in sections to minimize bone loss. From there, she’ll conclude treatment by sewing up the incision.

After an extraction, many dentists plan how to replace the missing tooth. This measure ensures you won’t suffer the effects of long-term tooth loss.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

Of course, you’ll need time to recover from the extraction. Your treatment site will feel sensitive as it heals from tooth removal. Luckily, our team offers helpful post-op instructions that enhance your recovery. Some of the most notable ones are:

• Clean the extraction site with a saltwater rinse after the first 24 hours
• Avoid smoking and spitting to speed up the healing process
• Manage discomfort with store-bought pain relievers
• Don’t drink from a straw, as its suction can dislodge your blood clot
• Try not to chew near the extraction site

These tips will help you heal quickly from treatment. Once you have, seriously consider replacing the missing tooth (or teeth). Restoration work would fill out your smile, strengthen your bite, and more!