Tooth extractions remove damaged, decayed, or impacted teeth to restore or maintain good oral health. It is a general dentistry service provided by our dental office. Tooth extraction may be required in cases of advanced tooth decay or damage that has compromised the tooth structure, crowding teeth, or as part of a restorative treatment plan. Dr. Heather Adams provides tooth extraction procedures for advanced decay, damaged teeth, and wisdom tooth removal when necessary.
If she rules out more conservative procedures, she will recommend a tooth extraction to help restore the health and function of the bite. Dr. Adams also provides options for replacing missing teeth, such as dental implants and implant-supported dentures.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Many patients will need their wisdom teeth removed during their teens or early twenties. Wisdom teeth are the last molar to emerge and commonly cause overcrowding or become impacted in the bone. Diagnostic x-rays will help Dr. Adams determine if the wisdom teeth removal will be necessary.
In the case of fully erupted wisdom teeth, the procedure can often be completed from the comfort of our Rogers, AR dentist’s office. Dr. Adams will discuss all aspects of the procedure ahead of time and make any necessary arrangements for dental sedation. If the wisdom teeth are impacted or considered a complex case, we will work with you to coordinate the procedure with a local oral surgeon.
Tooth Extraction Services
The tooth extraction procedure typically causes minimal discomfort. Patients who experience dental anxiety may be made comfortable with dental sedation. Otherwise, Dr. Adams will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area to be treated.
Once numb, the tooth will be detached from the gums and gently removed from the root structure. The empty socket will be cleaned and sutured shut. Our dental care team will provide patients personalized instructions on post-op care to help with a comfortable and quick recovery.
Replacing Extracted Teeth
Depending on the location and number of teeth extracted, patients may choose to have their teeth replaced with dental implants. Dr. Adams offers in-house dental implant services for precise and convenient care.
Dental implants are the most natural option for replacing missing teeth. The implant is designed to mimic the natural human tooth and acts as a prosthetic root structure. A dental restoration is then secured to the implant for a beautiful, healthy smile.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
After we remove your teeth, we will place gauze at the extraction sites. Ensure that the gauze stays on your extraction sites. Gauze will ensure a blood clot forms to protect the sites and prevent dry socket. A dry socket is a painful problem that may occur if a blood clot does not form or is dislodged. It exposes the sensitive nerves at the extraction site.
You must gently bite down on your gauze or apply pressure for 30 to 40 minutes. After that point, you can replace your gauze with new pieces until the sites stop bleeding.
While you can eat following your tooth extraction, we will recommend
We will prescribe pain medication
You can resume normal activities once you are done taking your medication. Still, you should be careful with your extraction sites. You may clean your mouth by gently rinsing your mouth with saltwater. When your extraction sites stop bleeding, you can
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Why do wisdom teeth have to be removed?
Wisdom teeth do not need to be removed if they are completely erupted, healthy, in the correct position, and can be properly cleaned. Since they are way back in the mouth, they are extremely difficult to keep clean, and most people will eventually get a cavity back there. If they never erupt, only partially erupt, or cause crowding, they must be removed before causing further issues.
What is the best way to replace my damaged tooth?
The most recommended way to replace a missing or extracted tooth is with a dental implant-supported crown. Dr. Adams can perform every step of the dental implant process from the comfort of her dentist office.
Why does my tooth need to be extracted?
Dr. Adams will only resort to extraction if all other treatments are exhausted, including dental fillings, inlays, onlays, and root canals. If the tooth has succumbed to too much damage, it must be extracted.
What is a dry socket?
A dry socket is a painful condition that may occur after tooth extraction. A blood clot will form shortly after the procedure. A dry socket will form if the clot comes loose or dissolves, exposing the underlying bone and nerve.
This is why it is important to avoid smoking, sucking through a straw, sucking on anything, physical activity, and vigorous rinsing for about 24 – 48 hours after the procedure.
Call Our Office
Do you need a tooth extraction but are scared of pain? Receive comfortable dental extraction treatment in our office. Contact our office by calling (479) 323-3011. You can also schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Adams on our website.