Tooth Extractions – Edmond, OK
Worry-Free Tooth Removal
While Dr. M. Kent Smith’s main goal is to help each of his patients preserve their natural teeth for as long as possible, sometimes, a tooth may simply be too forgone to be repaired. In this situation, an extraction is usually the best way to protect someone’s oral health. We know this procedure can cause a lot of anxiety, but thanks to Dr. Smith’s experience and use of sedation and local anesthetic, our extraction patients often report feeling practically nothing in the chair. If you or your child have a problem tooth that may need to come out, give us a call today, and we’ll make the process for tooth extractions in Edmond, OK as easy as possible.
Why Choose M. Kent Smith DDS for Tooth Extractions?
- Soothing Sedation Options
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments Available
- Dentist with Over 30 Years of Experience
Common Reasons for Tooth Extraction
- Decay: If a cavity has weakened a tooth to the point that it can’t be saved, and the infection is threatening to spread to the nearby teeth, then an extraction will likely be recommended.
- Trauma: A tooth can be so broken that there isn’t enough healthy structure to support a restoration.
- Dentures: Before a patient gets a denture, any failing teeth will need to be removed first to ensure a secure fit.
- Wisdom Teeth: Often, the wisdom teeth become stuck while coming in and cause pain. The only way to fix this is to extract them.
How Tooth Extractions Work
Thankfully, modern-day extractions never involve “pulling teeth.” For a tooth that has fully erupted, the mouth is numbed, and then the tooth is rocked back and forth until it slips out on its own. If a tooth is still partially trapped within the gum line (which is often the case with the wisdom teeth), then a surgical extraction may be needed, in which a small amount of gum and bone tissue are removed first so the tooth can be extracted effectively.
Tooth Extractions FAQs
Are you getting ready to have a tooth removed? If so, you should make sure that you voice any questions that are on your mind before the day of the procedure; we want you to feel like you truly understand the treatment you’re about to receive and why it’s necessary. Check the FAQs below to see if you can find the answers you need. Of course, you can always give us a call if you have any questions that aren’t addressed on this page.
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
Thanks to modern dental technology and techniques, you don’t have to worry about pain when having a tooth removed. We’ll always begin by numbing your mouth with a local anesthetic; this is to help you stay comfortable while the procedure is being carried out.
There may be some soreness after your extraction, but it should pass given enough time, and we can give you aftercare instructions that can help with the discomfort. Please call us immediately if your pain is especially severe or doesn’t seem to be getting better.
Can I Leave the Space Empty After a Tooth Extraction?
You do have the option of simply leaving the gap where the tooth used to be empty. It can be especially tempting to do so if the gap happens to be near the back of your mouth, meaning most people won’t even see it.
However, without a full set of teeth, you will likely find that chewing your food is more difficult. Additionally, your remaining teeth may start to drift as a result of the empty space; this can ultimately lead to problems with the balance of your bite. In short, we recommend that you take the necessary steps to have your tooth replaced after the extraction process.
What Can I Do to Speed Up Healing Time?
The recovery process after a tooth extraction will typically take significantly less time if you follow these steps:
- Avoid any kind of strenuous exercise for at least a full day following the procedure.
- Keep your tongue and your fingers away from the extraction site.
- Avoid spitting, drinking through a straw, or any other actions that could lead to a dry socket.
- Hold a cold compress over the outside of your cheek to keep swelling down.
How Long After a Tooth Extraction Can I Get Dentures?
Sometimes a tooth extraction needs to be performed before you can move forward with the process of getting dentures. Generally speaking, you will need to wait about six to eight weeks to receive your prosthesis. The process involves capturing impressions of your mouth after it has finished healing; said impressions will be used to create dentures that are just the right size and shape for your smile. On the day that you receive your dentures, a few final adjustments might be needed to ensure a proper fit.
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