Dental Extractions in Murfreesboro, TN

A dental extraction is the removal of a severely decayed or damaged tooth from its bone socket. Tooth extractions are performed in dental offices by a general dentist or an oral surgeon under local or general anesthesia. A tooth extraction becomes unavoidable due to several reasons, such as tooth decay from inadequate oral hygiene, damage from an accident, or a host of other medical conditions. The very thought of tooth extraction may seem a little scary, but here at Stonegate Family Dentistry, our doctors and staff will do their best to provide you a painless procedure in a stress-free environment.

What Are the Types of Tooth Extractions?

There are two types of extractions, based on the complexity of the procedure:

• Simple Extraction

In simple extractions, we use an elevator to loosen up the tooth and pull it out with the help of forceps. In more complex cases, the tooth may be removed in pieces for the patient’s comfort. The simple extraction is performed entirely under local anesthesia.

• Surgical Extraction

A surgical extraction is carried out when the tooth to be extracted has not yet erupted through the gum line or is still embedded in the gums. In this surgery, the oral surgeon will make a small incision into your gum to access the affected tooth. After pulling it out, the incision site may be stitched if necessary.

What Is the Procedure for Dental Extraction?

During the initial consultation, a detailed record of the patient’s health condition and an X-ray of the affected tooth, essential for any safe tooth extraction, will be made. A wisdom tooth extraction may require a full mouth X-ray to see the exact location of the tooth and its connection with the adjacent tooth. Before the procedure, antibiotics may be prescribed to the patient to avoid infection during the procedure. The patient is advised not to smoke on the day of the extraction to prevent complications.

The area around the extraction is numbed using anesthesia, and the tooth is loosened up. By making use of forceps, the loosened tooth is extracted from its socket. Immediately a blood clot should form in the remaining socket. To stop the bleeding, we may ask the patient to bite down on a gauze pad. Finally, the socket is closed with the help of a few stitches.  

What Post-Procedure Care is Provided for a Tooth Extraction? 

After the extraction, there are few rules that each patient must follow

• Take painkillers and antibiotics as prescribed.
• Avoid smoking as it may prevent healing.
• Eat soft food after the procedure. 
• Practice regular dental hygiene to prevent infection. 
• Avoid brushing too forcefully near the extraction area to prevent irritation.
• Take adequate rest until the anesthetic wears off

To find out if you need a tooth extraction, call (615) 624-6919 and schedule an appointment with Stonegate Family Dentistry, Dentist in Murfreesboro, TN.