Gentle, professional tooth extractions offered
We strive to maintain the health of your teeth through professional dental cleanings and exams. We collaborate with our patients to provide techniques and tips for lifelong tooth preservation. However, there are instances where a dental extraction becomes necessary. Whether it is due to trauma, gum disease, deep decay, bone loss, or any other reason, we will evaluate the situation and inform you if the tooth can be saved or if an extraction is required.
If an extraction is needed, our compassionate dentist and supportive team will assist you throughout the process, including discussing tooth replacement options. While it is never ideal to lose a tooth, our priority is to promote your overall health and well-being, and sometimes removing a problematic tooth is necessary.
We utilize digital x-rays to identify hidden issues, ensuring a precise diagnosis. If you require further details on tooth extractions or have a problematic tooth, please reach out to our dental team to arrange a dental examination. Additionally, continue reading to discover more about our extraction procedure and available tooth replacement choices.
Simple vs surgical tooth extraction: what's the difference?
Simple Extractions
A simple extraction refers to the removal of a tooth that has already emerged from your gums. These extractions are typically less complex. Our priority is to ensure your jaw is fully numb, so you won't experience any discomfort. We will then loosen the tooth from its socket and gently extract it. It is normal to experience some bleeding, but it should subside within approximately thirty minutes after the procedure. Dr. Gomez may advise you to avoid activities like smoking and drinking through a straw during the healing process.
Surgical Extractions
Surgical extractions involve removing teeth that have not fully emerged or have not emerged at all. To access your tooth, we will need to make an incision. Our dentist prioritizes your comfort and will only proceed with the procedure once your jaw is completely numb.
Once the incision is made, we will gently loosen and remove your tooth. Stitches may be necessary for healing in surgical extractions. Dr. Gomez will provide instructions on how to care for your specific surgical site and assist with pain management during the healing process, although tooth extraction is generally not very painful.
By carefully following your post-surgical instructions, you can expect a prompt recovery.
Why might I need an extraction?
Decay, Trauma, or Root Canal Failure
If a tooth has experienced severe decay, trauma (including breaking below the gumline), or a failed root canal treatment, it typically needs to be extracted. However, with proper dental care such as regular visits to the dentist for exams and cleanings, as well as a good oral care routine at home, this type of extraction can usually be prevented, except in cases of blunt trauma. These types of extractions often qualify as dental emergencies and may be accompanied by a toothache, swelling, and a blister on the gum. Our emergency dentist in Nederland is committed to relieving your pain, so please contact our dental team at the first sign of pain or infection.
Wisdom Teeth Extractions
A large number of teenagers and young individuals undergo the extraction of their wisdom teeth. Although this procedure is widespread, it is not mandatory for every patient. We can utilize digital x-rays to assess whether your wisdom teeth require removal. In certain cases, when they grow in an abnormal direction or pose a threat to your other teeth by causing overcrowding, extraction becomes necessary to safeguard your well-being and alleviate any discomfort. Additionally, due to their position at the back of your mouth, wisdom teeth are notoriously challenging to maintain cleanliness.
Before Orthodontics
If your jaw is too small to fit all of your teeth, they may become twisted and overlap. In such cases, your dentist may suggest removing a tooth before starting orthodontic treatment to alleviate the issue.
Before Dentures
If you have experienced extensive tooth loss and your remaining teeth are not strong enough to support a partial denture or dental bridge, your dentist may suggest extracting the teeth and replacing them with full dentures.
What tooth replacements do you offer?
At Nederland Family Dental, we provide a range of tooth replacement options to assist in restoring your smile after experiencing tooth loss. Our dentist will assess the condition of your teeth and gums to determine the most suitable choice for enhancing your smile.
The available tooth replacement options are as follows:
- Dental bridges: These are replacement teeth that are attached to the adjacent teeth.
- Dental implants: This involves surgically implanting a replacement root and dental crown (tooth).
- Dentures and partials: These are restoration teeth placed on an arch to fill in for full or partial tooth loss.
Do you offer sedation dentistry?
People with dental phobias are more likely to have cavities and missing teeth, according to a study in the British Dental Journal. This study also found that individuals with dental phobias have a lower quality of life related to oral health compared to those without dental phobia. However, there is a solution - sedation dentistry in Port Arthur, TX offers a safe and stress-free option for individuals with dental phobias to receive dental care. Conscious sedation involves taking oral medication before the dental procedure, allowing patients to remain relaxed and worry-free while still being able to answer questions during the procedure. Some patients may even fall asleep during treatment. The dentist will review the patient's medical history and current medications to determine if they are a suitable candidate for sedation dentistry. On the day of the procedure, the medication will be taken in the dental office under the dentist's supervision. It is important to arrange for a ride home as patients may feel groggy afterward. However, they should feel back to normal the next day. To learn more about sedation dentistry in Port Arthur, TX, individuals can contact the office of Dr. Whitney Gomez to schedule a dental consultation. The team is dedicated to easing worries and providing a stress-free experience.
How to prevent tooth loss?
To prevent additional tooth loss, it is recommended to adhere to the best practices outlined by the American Dental Association.
- Make sure to schedule dental exams and teeth cleanings with your dentist twice a year.
- Remember to brush your teeth and floss at least twice a day at home.
- Try to avoid consuming foods and drinks that are high in sugar and acidic.
Your dentist will provide a more customized treatment plan if you have an oral health condition like gingivitis or periodontal disease.
Call Our Port Arthur Office for a Dental Exam
If you are experiencing problems with your wisdom teeth or require an extraction, we are here to help. Please contact our Port Arthur dental office to schedule an exam with our highly skilled dentist.
At Nederland Family Dental, we specialize in treating a wide range of dental conditions and do not require a referral. Our team is dedicated to providing the same level of care that we would give to our own families. We are excited to have you join our dental practice and look forward to serving you.
