Remove troublesome teeth
Mount Pleasant Tooth Extractions
Tooth extractions are typically a last resort at our office in Mount Pleasant, but extracting a damaged tooth is sometimes the best way to provide you with relief and restore your oral health. Learn more about the process below, or contact us now for a consultation with Dr. Vinson at Advanced Dentistry of Mount Pleasant.
what to expect
Do Tooth Extractions Hurt?
Tooth extractions do not hurt. Your mouth will be completely numb during your extraction procedure, so you will feel no discomfort as your tooth is removed. We also have sedation options available for patients undergoing tooth extractions, so you can fight back against any feelings of fear or anxiety during your procedure.
However, your extraction site will be a bit sore and painful after your procedure. Dr. Vinson will provide you with instructions for recovering, and may also give you a prescription for painkillers. Follow her instructions to ensure you recover quickly, and minimize your pain and discomfort.
When is a
Tooth Extraction Needed?
Tooth extractions may be needed for several different reasons. The first and most common reason is the incorrect growth and eruption of the wisdom teeth. These teeth grow in between the ages of 17-25. Many patients don’t have enough room for them, which can lead to serious complications like tooth infections and damage to the surrounding teeth, so extraction may be necessary in this case.
Extractions are also used to remove teeth that are too damaged to be saved by a root canal, a crown, or a similar treatment. They can then be replaced with a denture, dental bridge, or dental implant to restore your mouth.
Occasionally, extractions are also used for orthodontic purposes. If you have a very crowded mouth due to a narrow palate, for example, one or more teeth may be extracted during orthodontic treatment to improve your bite and smile.
Should I replace My Missing tooth
With An Implant?
If you have had a tooth extracted that was damaged by tooth decay, an oral injury, or even gum disease, you may be wondering if you should have it replaced with an implant. The answer is usually “yes.”
Patients with healthy mouths who have lost one or more teeth are good candidates for dental implants. Implants are the preferred method of restoring missing teeth because they support the strength of the jaw bone, and they look and feel completely natural. Not only that, but implants usually last 30+ years, making them the most long-lasting method of smile restoration.
If you are interested in implants, it’s best to have them placed as soon as possible after your extraction, since the jaw bone will weaken over time after you lose a tooth, which can complicate the procedure. You can discuss implants in more detail with Dr. Vinson during your appointment to ensure that they’re right for your situation.
Do Wisdom Teeth
Need To Be Extracted?
Wisdom teeth do not always need to be extracted. In fact, many people are able to keep their wisdom teeth with no issues at all. Some people even are missing 1-3 or all of their wisdom teeth, which never erupt at all.
If your mouth has enough space for your wisdom teeth to erupt properly, and they come out without negatively affecting your other teeth, there’s no reason to extract them. They can be left in place without issues.
However, wisdom teeth should be extracted if they are not erupting properly, or are causing other serious dental health complications. For example, if your wisdom teeth are growing in sideways, they can cause the nearby teeth to shift, and the area near your wisdom tooth may be more prone to oral infections.
As a rule, you should see a dentist and consider extraction if you think that your wisdom teeth are causing serious complications. If you feel a lot of pain in the rear of your mouth, notice tenderness or swelling near the wisdom tooth, or have bad breath or a nasty taste in your mouth, this could indicate a serious issue. Contact us right away to schedule a consultation at Advanced Dentistry of Mount Pleasant and get the help you need.
How Long Does It Take To Recover
From Wisdom Teeth Extractions?
This depends on the patient. However, in general, it will take about 3-4 days for pain, bleeding, swelling, and inflammation to subside. These issues usually peak within 24-48 hours after your treatment.
After this, it will take about 2 weeks for your mouth to fully heal and recover from your extraction. Some symptoms, like a sore jaw, tend to persist for about 7-10 days, but as you recover, these issues will continue to subside.
Proper post-extraction care is absolutely essential for a speedy recovery. Dr. Vinson will provide you with a set of instructions that you’ll need to follow to make sure your mouth heals properly. Among other steps, you’ll need to eat a diet of soft foods, clean your extraction site carefully, and avoid heavy exercise for 2-3 days. Follow all of the instructions you’re provided to make sure you recover quickly and without further complications.
What Can I Expect
From The Extraction Process?
This depends on the type of extraction you’re getting. Basic or “simple” extractions are used for teeth that have fully erupted, while complex or “surgical” extractions are required for teeth that have not completely emerged from the gums.
In a simple extraction, Dr. Vinson will begin by numbing your mouth and cleaning the extraction site. Then, she will use special dental tools to loosen the tooth in its socket. Once it’s been sufficiently loosened, she will pull it out using dental forceps. Then, the area will be cleaned and stitched to allow it to heal properly.
In a surgical extraction, the process is a bit different. Dr. Vinson will create an incision in your gum tissue, and then use a dental drill and other tools to cut the tooth into small pieces, which will be removed through the opening in your gums. Once the tooth has been completely extracted, the area will be cleaned, sanitized, and sutured to allow it to heal.
Do you have Questions?
Schedule A Consultation Today!
Think you may need a tooth extraction? Got more questions about the process? Dr. Vinson and the team at Advanced Dentistry of Mount Pleasant are here to help. Contact us online or give us a call at (843) 936-1690 to schedule a consultation, and get answers to all of your questions.