Tooth Extractions

Main Street Dentistry

There are a few reasons why a tooth removal may be necessary. Decay, disease, poor placement, or breakage are all conditions in which tooth extraction may be required.

Your Alpharetta tooth extraction dentist may recommend a tooth replacement procedure following tooth extraction, such as an implant or a bridge, so that there is no permanent change to your natural smile.

Tooth Extraction Procedure

  • Before the tooth is extracted, the area will be numbed with local anesthetic.
  • You should not feel any pain, but you may feel pressure as the tooth is removed. If you do feel pain, let your tooth extraction dentist know right away so more anesthetic can be administered.
  • Sometimes the tooth cannot be removed all at once. In these cases, your tooth extraction dentist will split the tooth into sections and remove them one by one.

After the Tooth Extraction Process

It’s important that a blood clot form after the tooth has been extracted. To make this happen, you will be asked to bite down on a piece of gauze for about thirty seconds. In order for the opening to heal properly, this clot must not be disturbed. Other after-care tips include:

  • Do not smoke, drink through straws, drink alcohol, or brush the area too vigorously in the days following your procedure.
  • If you experience pain or swelling, over-the-counter pain medication or prescription painkillers should ease the discomfort. An ice pack on the affected area can also help reduce swelling,
  • After 24 hours, you should resume your normal oral hygiene routine. Keeping the area clean and free of plaque is essential for the healing process.
  • If you encounter any complications or abnormalities during the healing process, contact our office right away so we can assist you.

If you believe you may be in need of a tooth removal because of decay, disease, or injury, book a consultation with our Alpharetta office today; we can assess your condition to determine if tooth extraction is the best option for you.