Tooth Extractions San Antonio
Safe Tooth Removal for Your Smile
Your natural teeth are the best tools for speaking and eating. It is always our goal to save them when possible. Regardless, there are times when teeth cannot be saved. Our dental office suggests tooth extractions for these cases, as this may prevent oral health issues down the line. Of course, we would be happy to tell you more; simply keep reading or reach out to schedule a dental appointment at our office.
Why Choose Bianca Sanchez, DDS, for Tooth Extractions?
- Same-Day Emergency Dental Treatment Available
- Multiple Forms of Dental Sedation
- Woman-Owned & Woman-Led Dental Practice
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
If it is possible to save your tooth, we would much rather perform a root canal or dental crown procedure to preserve it. We will only suggest a tooth extraction if there are no other options.
You might need one or more tooth extractions if:
- A tooth is severely damaged or decayed
- Advanced gum disease has loosened your teeth
- Your teeth are overcrowded, and extractions are necessary to make room for orthodontia or other treatments
- A tooth is infected, and removing it is the best way to prevent the infection from spreading
- A baby tooth is stuck in place
- Your wisdom teeth are threatening your oral health
The Process of Removing a Tooth
A tooth extraction might seem like an intimidating prospect, but the entire procedure is easier than many patients expect! One of the first things we will do is numb your mouth; this prevents pain, though you may still notice some pressure as our team is working. In some cases, we also administer sedation to provide additional comfort.
To remove the tooth, we lift it with an instrument called an elevator. Then, we grip it with forceps and carefully break the connective tissues holding it in place. We clean the socket and place gauze to control any bleeding.
Some extractions may be a bit more complicated. For example, removing wisdom teeth might require that we make incisions in your gums or break the teeth into smaller pieces.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
To make your recovery easier after a tooth extraction, you should:
- Take any medications as prescribed by our team
- Periodically rinse your mouth with warm salt water after the initial 24 hours
- Avoid smoking
- Do not drink out of a straw
- Keep your head elevated while you sleep
- Get enough rest
Additionally, keep in mind that you should attend all recommended follow-up appointments. If you want to avoid more dental health issues down the road, such as dental drift and additional tooth loss, you will likely need to replace your lost tooth as soon as circumstances allow.