Maintaining and protecting your natural teeth is a top priority for Dr. Foxhall and our team at Dentistry at Kennestone. However, in certain situations, a tooth extraction may be the best course of action to protect your oral health.
We’ll always explore alternatives to extractions whenever possible, but if it becomes necessary, you can count on us to make the process as comfortable and stress-free as possible, with a focus on your well-being every step of the way.
Why Are Teeth Extractions Necessary?
There are several reasons why Dr. Foxhall may recommend a tooth extraction:
- Severe decay or infection that can’t be restored with a filling or crown
- Advanced periodontal (gum) disease that affects bone support
- Broken or fractured teeth beyond repair
- Poorly positioned or impacted teeth, including wisdom teeth
- Creating space for orthodontic treatment or dentures
Before recommending an extraction, we always perform a thorough examination, including medical history review and X-rays. We’ll also walk you through every alternative and discuss tooth replacement options, so you know what comes next.
What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction
Our team is dedicated to keeping you comfortable. Here’s how the process works:
- A local anesthetic is applied to numb the tooth, jawbone, and gums.
- You may feel gentle pressure as the tooth is loosened, but you won’t feel pain.
- For teeth with curved roots or those firmly anchored, we may “section” the tooth into smaller pieces to ensure safe removal.
If you feel any discomfort, simply let us know, and we’ll adjust right away.
Sectioning a Tooth
In some cases, teeth are firmly anchored in their sockets, or the roots are curved, making removal more challenging. In these situations, we may section the tooth—cutting it into smaller pieces and removing them one at a time. This is a common, precise, and safe technique to ensure a smoother extraction.
Healing After Tooth Extraction
After a tooth extraction, a blood clot needs to form to stop bleeding and begin healing. Here’s what to do:
- Bite gently on a gauze pad for 30–45 minutes after your appointment. If bleeding persists, replace the gauze and bite firmly again for another 30 minutes.
- Avoid disturbing the clot by refraining from rinsing vigorously, using straws, smoking, or drinking alcohol for the first 72 hours. These actions could dislodge the clot and delay healing.
- Limit vigorous exercise for 24 hours, as this could increase bleeding.
- If you experience swelling, apply an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas to the affected area to minimize it. Swelling typically subsides within 48 hours.
- Take pain medications as prescribed, and call us if they don’t seem to be helping. If antibiotics are prescribed, complete the full course even if you’re feeling better.
- Stay hydrated and eat soft, nutritious foods on the day of your extraction. You can return to your normal diet once you’re comfortable.
- After the first 24 hours, resume brushing and flossing as usual, taking care to avoid the extraction site. This will promote healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
Most patients feel back to normal after a few days, but if you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, prolonged swelling (2–3 days), or a reaction to medication, contact our office immediately.
Recover Your Smile After a Tooth Extraction
While tooth extractions can feel overwhelming, they’re often the first step toward restoring your oral health.
The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health. That is why we will start discussing restorative dentistry options during the process.
If you need a tooth extraction or are ready to explore options for replacing a missing tooth, contact Dentistry at Kennestone today. We’re here to help you restore both your health and confidence.
