Tooth Extractions - Dallas, TX

Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?

It’s natural to feel nervous about an upcoming tooth extraction if you’re not sure what to expect and are scared it might hurt. Fortunately, our team at Midtown Family Dentistry of Dallas is here to set your mind at ease. We know that many people are anxious about major procedures, but we will do everything we can to help you feel calm and relaxed the entire time.

First, we’ll apply a local anesthetic to your troublesome tooth so that you don’t feel any discomfort during your appointment, and can also offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) as a sedative. Then, it’s normal to feel some mild to moderate tenderness and inflammation after the medications wear off. Following our post-op instructions in detail is key to preventing a painful complication known as dry socket.

Is There an Alternative to a Tooth Extraction?

No one wants to undergo an invasive procedure if there are other options, like a root canal, that might restore your tooth’s functionality. Whether or not other methods can be used depends entirely on your unique situation and the underlying issue. This surgery is often only recommended as a last resort if your tooth is too damaged or decayed to be repaired with other treatments like a filling or a dental crown.

If you’re unsure whether an extraction is truly necessary, feel free to ask! Our team is happy to discuss the possibilities so you can feel confident moving forward.

What is Recovery Like for Tooth Extractions?

Once your tooth has been successfully removed, you must follow the list of provided directions so that you can heal as quickly as possible. Forming a blood clot over the wound is essential for its recovery, and many of the instructions revolve around keeping it intact. Some common post-op orders include:

• Drink plenty of water directly from the glass. The force of suction from drinking through a straw can dislodge your blood clot.
• Keep your mouth clean to avoid infection. To disinfect your mouth, start with warm salt water rinses, then resume brushing and flossing after about three days.
• Slow the flow of any bleeding. After your extraction, we’ll press clean gauze against the wound, but you may need to change it out until the oozing stops.
• Don’t smoke. Not only can nicotine in tobacco products slow your healing, but they suppress your immune system so you can’t fight off infection.
• Manage discomfort. If we don’t prescribe pain medications, it’s usually safe to take over-the-counter options like Tylenol or ibuprofen to reduce aches and swelling.

Can I Leave the Space Empty After a Tooth Extraction?

How you replace your missing tooth is largely up to you. If you’ve had a molar removed that no one can see, you might feel tempted to leave the gap where it is. However, many patients don’t realize that their jawbone begins to thin without a root in place to stimulate new bone growth in that area. In time, it can deteriorate enough that it can no longer serve as a firm foundation, resulting in tooth loss. The sooner your replace your extracted tooth, the better you can preserve your dental health.

Dental implants are embedded directly into your jaw and can prevent this process of degeneration. You might also opt for a less invasive replacement like dentures or a dental bridge.