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Houston, TX patients faced with tooth extraction are often unsure about what to expect during their procedure. They may want to learn how to prepare for their treatment. Procedures such as tooth extraction are available for individuals who require them.
Tooth extraction is the process by which a dentist will remove natural teeth. The removal itself may be surgical or simple. A surgical extraction is performed with a tooth or teeth have not come through the gumline but need to be removed. This occurs most often with impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth. These teeth tend to push sideways into the adjacent teeth and cause pain. By cutting into the gum and removing the tooth, the patient is relieved of pain and oral health is recovered. A simple extraction is faster and less invasive. The dentist does this type of removal by gripping the tooth and removing it from the socket. This takes just minutes to perform and is useful for erupted teeth. A simple extraction may be done to prepare for orthodontic work or to remove a tooth that is severely damaged from tooth decay.
The idea of having teeth removed may seem scary. However, Dr. Monti Harpalani of Vivid Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry has performed thousands of tooth extractions, both simple and surgical. He helps patients feel at ease with the removal of their teeth to achieve a beautiful, healthy smile. When patients are told they could benefit from the removal of teeth, they may ask the following questions:
The questions above are common for many patients preparing for tooth extraction. During a consultation, patients can ask Dr. Monti Harpalani about the aspects of the procedure that they want to learn. He will take his time in explaining the process, so patients feel much more comfortable during the procedure itself.
The type of extraction performed greatly impacts the expectations of the appointment. Simple removal is typically done with local anesthetics to numb the area around the tooth. Patients can use nitrous oxide gas to help them relax. The tooth is removed, and patients are given after-care instructions to ensure healthy healing. For a surgical extraction, patients may need stronger anesthetics and sedation to ensure their comfort. The dentist then cuts into the gum tissue to remove the impacted tooth and then completes treatment with stitches. This area must stay clean to heal, and at-home care instructions are given with patients when they leave the practice.
Healing time may vary depending on the number of teeth removed, the type of extraction performed, and compliance with after-care instructions. For simple, single tooth extraction, healing occurs over just a few days. Patients who are having a surgical extraction done, such as the removal of one or all their impacted wisdom teeth, healing may take up to a week. A follow-up appointment is scheduled so patients can visit their dentist and ensure the area is healing as expected. The doctor provides information to help reduce the risk of infection and ensure the entire process is smooth and provides the expected results. If patients fail to follow these instructions, healing may be delayed, and infection can occur.
In most cases, a dentist will avoid removing natural teeth whenever possible. However, if the teeth are severely damaged, are causing overcrowding, or are impacted and resulting in pain, removal may be the best solution.
At Vivid Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, our patients can ask questions about procedures such as tooth extraction and what to expect. If you are preparing for the removal of one or more natural teeth, we welcome you to consult with our team of providers to discuss the treatment and expectations. Patients can call 281-809-4902 today to schedule an appointment at 11560 FM 1960 West, Ste. #200. Our Houston, TX area practice is equipped with the latest technologies to ensure the best in dental care and treatment.