Tooth Extractions – Forest, VA
Remove Your Troublesome Tooth and Preserve Your Smile
At Crossroads Family Dentistry, you can count on our team to do everything possible to protect your natural teeth. However, if you have a severely decayed or damaged tooth that is too injured to be repaired effectively, Dr. Hatch may have no recourse but to recommend extraction.
Our team can carefully remove your troublesome tooth and preserve your smile, but it’s natural to have questions about why this procedure might be recommended and what to expect. Continue reading to learn more about tooth extractions, and please don’t hesitate to contact us for additional information or to schedule an appointment.
Why Choose Crossroads Family Dentistry for Tooth Extractions?
- Multi-Lingual Staff for Enhanced Communication
- Dentists with Decades of Combined Experience
- Advanced Technology for Accurate Results
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
Are you wondering why an extraction was recommended? The answer depends significantly on your unique circumstances and current dental condition, but Dr. Hatch might suggest this treatment to patients in Forest for the following reasons:
- You have a tooth that’s too severely damaged to be fixed with a filling, root canal, or dental crown.
- To ensure there’s enough space in your mouth for orthodontics to be successful
- For another prosthetic, such as dentures, to fit correctly.
- You have wisdom teeth that are likely to become problematic if they are not removed.
- A tooth has become impacted, trapped, or infected.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
Although your experience may vary slightly depending on your individual situation, you can usually expect the following to occur during your procedure. First, we will numb the area so you might feel pressure while we work, but not pain. Then, Dr. Hatch will use a special device known as an ‘elevator’ to help lift your tooth from its socket. This allows him to grasp it gently with forceps and wiggle it free. If you are having a molar or wisdom tooth removed, the enamel may need to be broken into smaller pieces to be removed without harming your jawbone.
We usually also recommend replacing your extracted tooth sooner rather than later, and we are happy to discuss the various options with you.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Your mouth must form a blood clot over the extraction site to protect the recently exposed nerves, bone, and other tissues, or you might develop a painful complication known as dry socket. Many of Dr. Hatch’s instructions are intended to protect and preserve this clot so you can heal quickly while avoiding adverse effects.
Our team typically recommends:
- Taking any prescribed medications as directed.
- Rinse your mouth gently with salt water to keep it clean for the first 24 hours rather than brushing and flossing.
- Drink plenty of water from a cup, but avoid straws because the force of suction can dislodge the clot.
- Don’t smoke cigarettes, vapes, or use other tobacco products.
- Avoid strenuous physical activities that elevate your heart rate or blood pressure.
- Prop your head up at night to avoid potential aches.