Tooth Extractions Make Room For Something Better
When a tooth has become so extensively decayed or damaged that it cannot be saved, our dentist may recommend removing it. Often, a tooth extraction can help alleviate pain, discomfort, and improve function. Fortunately, Dr. Jeffrey Gregson has extensive training in oral surgery procedures, such as tooth extractions.
Additionally, Dr. Gregson has specialized training and experience in placing and restoring dental implants. We use the most advanced dental technologies in Metairie to ensure optimal comfort and efficiency during your treatment.
In the event that you need multiple teeth extracted or missing one or more teeth, our dentists offer several replacement options. High-quality restorations will restore the form and function of your mouth. If your goal is to improve your smile and overall appearance, our dentists may employ cosmetic procedures to improve surrounding teeth.
As dentists, our primary goal is to preserve your natural teeth. We may use white tooth fillings, crowns to repair decayed or damaged teeth. If necessary, a root canal may be performed to save your tooth. Unfortunately, some teeth are beyond repair or cause misalignment and other complications.
You may need a tooth extraction if:
The type of tooth extraction procedure depends on whether the tooth is fully erupted or is partially or fully impacted. You may require a simple extraction procedure or a surgical extraction for more difficult teeth. Our dentists will do a complete exam on your entire mouth.
A decayed tooth that has completely erupted and cannot be saved with a restoration may only need a simple extraction.
An impacted tooth is one that never erupts through the surface of the gums. Damaged, decayed, and infected teeth are generally not impacted. This makes the extraction process less invasive.
In addition to removing one or more teeth, we can also provide high quality restorations when replacements are required following an extraction.
To remove a fully erupted tooth, we use forceps to gently rock the tooth back and forth. This loosens it from the ligaments holding it in place. Once we have sufficiently loosened the tooth, we can easily pull it out. Partially or fully impacted teeth require surgical removal. We will create an incision in the gums and the underlying bone to access the tooth.
In some cases, we may need to break the tooth into several pieces before removing it. This is commonly required with impacted wisdom teeth. Once the entire tooth has been removed, we will close up the incisions using dissolvable stitches.
Simple extractions are less invasive than surgical extractions. A decayed tooth that has completely erupted and cannot be saved with a restoration may only need a simple extraction. Damaged, decayed, and infected teeth are generally not impacted.
To remove a fully erupted tooth, we use forceps to gently rock the tooth back and forth. This loosens it from the ligaments holding it in place. Once we have sufficiently loosened the tooth, we can easily pull it out. Once the entire tooth has been removed, we will close up the incisions using dissolvable stitches.
Watch our animated patient education video on simple tooth extractions.
After you have one or more teeth removed, you must avoid drinking through a straw for the first 24 hours. You should also avoid alcoholic beverages and mouthwashes containing alcohol. Limit your physical activity for a few days so you do not agitate the empty socket. You may experience some swelling and bruising, but this is normal and should subside within a few days. Your doctor may provide pain medication to minimize discomfort, and you can use ice packs to help reduce any swelling.
Extracting a decayed tooth makes room for something better.