Extractions in Clinton, Mississippi

What is a Tooth Extraction?

A tooth extraction occurs when your dentist removes one or more teeth surgically. There are two main types of tooth extractions, simple tooth extraction, and surgical tooth extraction. 

During a simple tooth extraction, your dentist will use forceps to handle your tooth and remove it. During a surgical tooth extraction, incisions are made to loosen the tooth and remove it. During both extraction procedures, you will be given sedation medication and numbing injections as needed to make you comfortable during the process. 

What are the Reasons for a Tooth Extraction?

As mentioned above, there are several reasons that your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction. The main three reasons are infection, overcrowding, and a cracked tooth. If your tooth has dental decay that is infected, the tooth may not be salvageable. The best option may be to extract the tooth and replace it with a dental bridge or dental implant. 

Additionally, if you have overcrowding in your mouth, your dentist may suggest removing a tooth to give space for the other teeth to grow and develop. In this case, you may not need a tooth replacement. Lastly, if your tooth is severely cracked, it may not be repaired with dental bonding or a dental crown. In this case, your dentist may recommend extracting it. 

Will a Tooth Extraction Hurt?

Our goal during tooth extraction is to help you feel comfortable and safely remove your tooth. To help you feel comfortable during the procedure, we will give you sedation medication and a numbing injection. We have various sedation options, from laughing gas to sedation in pill form. 

Once you are comfortable, we will give you a local anesthetic and numbing medication around the tooth that we will extract. You should feel minimal to no pain during the procedure. However, you may feel pressure. 

Call our office for more information about the comfort mechanisms we use during your process. We are happy to discuss the options with you. 

What Happens After a Tooth Extraction?

Following a tooth extraction, the body works to form a clot where the extraction was done to seal the area. It is essential to protect the clot to prevent complications. To do this, we recommend patients do not rinse or spit for 24 hours following the surgery and avoid using a straw. 

We also recommend that patients eat soft foods such as applesauce and yogurt. To recover, you will need to rest for the first 24 hours and possibly the next one to two days. Our office recommends applying ice on the cheek where the extraction was performed to reduce swelling. Lastly, we recommend taking pain medication as necessary to reduce pain. 

Expert Tooth Extraction Service in Clinton, MS

Choosing to get a tooth extraction is a big decision. Dr. David Henry and Dr. Stephen Greer are here to help you make the best choices for yourself and your smile. Our dentists have special training in performing tooth extractions and will help guide you through the entire process. 

Call our office today for more information about tooth extractions and what to expect or schedule an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you.