Jarred K. Donald, DDS
16631 Coit Rd #114
Dallas, TX 75248
972-818-4300
888-49-SMILE
Patient Education - General Dentist Information in Dallas
Extractions
General Procedure
When restoration procedures such as root canal therapy, crowns, or
fillings are not enough to save a tooth, it may need to be pulled, or
extracted.
Tooth extraction procedures today are far less painful than
ever before, thanks to powerful anesthetics and sedatives. In many
cases, a patient who has tooth pulled experiences little or no
discomfort, and only minor bleeding.
Before a tooth is extracted, the area surrounding the tooth is
numbed with a topical/and or injectable anesthetic such as Novocaine.
Patients with extracted teeth sometimes need to take an
antibiotic, and at the very least, take precautions following the
procedure to ensure that infection doesn't occur.
Smoking, vigorous brushing and rinsing, and drinking liquids
through straws are discouraged during the post-operative period because
they hinder healing and may cause the wound to open. Cold compresses
applied to the outside cheek near the extraction area can help reduce
any swelling and promote faster healing.
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that erupt
in the back corners of the upper and lower normal adult mouth.
Unfortunately, most people experience problems from wisdom teeth; in
most cases, this is because the teeth erupt too close to existing
permanent teeth, causing crowding, improper bites, and other problems.
If wisdom teeth are causing a problem and are not pulled, they
can sometimes become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can be extremely
painful, as well as harmful to your oral health. Symptoms are easy to
spot: severe discomfort, inflammation, and some kinds of infections.
Many people need to have their wisdom teeth extracted to avoid
future serious problems. In general, the lack of the four wisdom teeth
does not hamper one's ability to properly bite down, speak or eat.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may have an impacted wisdom tooth:
- Facial swelling
- Infection
- Pain
- Gum swelling
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