Garden Ridge Center For Dentistry
Extractions - Garden Ridge Center For Dentistry

Extractions

What is a dental extraction? Sometimes referred to as “pulling a tooth”, an extraction is the complete removal of a tooth, leaving behind an empty socket. While our primary goal is always to save teeth, sometimes an extraction becomes necessary if the tooth is beyond repair. This may happen if you have a large cavity, a fractured or broken tooth, an impacted tooth, severe gum disease, infection, or trauma.

Extraction Procedure - Garden Ridge Center For Dentistry

Extraction Procedure

What happens before an extraction? Your dentist will consult with you and discuss your specific situation. They will take a dental radiograph (x-ray) to determine the best treatment for you. If you need an extraction, it is important to let your dentist know what medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, as well as any health conditions for which you are being treated. If you are taking blood thinners, your dentist may need to talk with your cardiologist or primary care provider before your surgery, to ensure you are being treated safely. Your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to start taking before and after your extraction. 

What happens during an extraction? First, local anesthesia, or a numbing agent, is given so you are comfortable during the procedure. Using specialized instruments, your dentist completely removes the tooth, and the socket is thoroughly cleaned to ensure no infection is left behind. In some cases, bone graft material and L-PRF is placed in the socket to aid in the healing process. Your dentist may place sutures, or stitches over the area.
Post Procedure - Garden Ridge Center For Dentistry

Post Procedure

What happens after an extraction? Your dentist will place some gauze over the area, and have you bite down with firm pressure to help stop the bleeding and form a clot. Bleeding is usually minimal, and generally stops after 30 minutes. Some light oozing may be present for 24 hours. Often there is some swelling associated with oral surgery; it usually peaks on the 2nd or 3rd day after surgery. You can minimize this by using an ice pack applied to your face or cheek near the surgical area.

It is common to have some dental anxiety, especially when surgery is involved. If you have dental anxiety, talk to your dentist to see if you are a candidate for sedation. We offer a variety of sedation options, including laughing gas, oral sedation, and IV sedation, depending on your needs.
Wisdom Teeth - Garden Ridge Center For Dentistry

Wisdom Teeth

What about wisdom teeth? Third molars, more commonly referred to as “wisdom teeth”, are the four back teeth that usually begin erupting between the ages of 16-21.  Although not everyone needs to have them removed, it is recommended for certain patients. If you do not have enough room in your mouth for your wisdom teeth to fully erupt, they have the potential of leading to oral health problems such as infection, pathology, cavities, or damage to adjacent teeth because of crowding or bone loss. We can help to address your specific wisdom tooth needs and make sure you stay healthy. We perform wisdom teeth extractions here at Garden Ridge Center for Dentistry. When the wisdom teeth are in a complex position, we may refer you to a local oral surgeon for your procedure. Either way, your dental team at Garden Ridge Center for Dentistry will be here to guide you through the process if you are in need of wisdom teeth removal. 

Extraction FAQs

When your wisdom teeth start coming in, it’s normal to experience some discomfort, swelling, or pressure at the back of your mouth. To ease the pain, try rinsing with warm salt water, using a cold compress on your cheek, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended. Good oral hygiene is especially important! Gently brush and floss around the area to help prevent infection.

Keep in mind that not everyone has enough space for their wisdom teeth to come in properly. If they’re impacted or causing pain, crowding, or infections, removal may be the best solution. At Garden Ridge Center of Dentistry, our experienced dental team will monitor your wisdom teeth with X-rays and exams to determine if they should be removed and help you manage any pain or swelling until then.

Proper follow-up care after a tooth extraction is essential for a smooth, comfortable recovery and to prevent complications. After your extraction, you’ll need to bite gently on a gauze pad to help stop any bleeding and allow a clot to form. Avoid vigorous rinsing, drinking through a straw, or smoking for at least 24 hours, as these can dislodge the clot and lead to dry socket.

Use an ice pack on the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling, and take any prescribed pain medication or antibiotics as directed. Stick to soft foods and gradually return to your normal diet as you heal. Gently brush your other teeth, but avoid the extraction site until it starts to heal.

At Garden Ridge Center of Dentistry, we’ll provide you with detailed post-op instructions and are always available if you have questions or concerns during your recovery. Following these steps will help ensure proper healing and get you back to your normal routine as soon as possible.

After a tooth extraction, it’s important to choose soft, soothing foods and drinks that won’t disturb the healing site. Stick to cool or room-temperature options like yogurt, applesauce, smoothies (without a straw), pudding, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, and broths. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could irritate the area or dislodge the blood clot.

For the first 24 hours, stay away from hot drinks like coffee or tea, as heat can increase bleeding. Also, avoid using a straw since the suction can disrupt the healing process and cause dry socket. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help your body heal.

Dry socket is a painful condition that can occur after a tooth extraction if the blood clot that normally forms in the socket becomes dislodged or dissolves too soon. Without the clot to protect the bone and nerves underneath, you may experience severe pain, a bad taste in your mouth, or visible bone where the tooth was removed.

Signs you may have dry socket include worsening pain a few days after your extraction, pain that radiates to your ear or jaw, or an empty-looking socket. If you suspect you have dry socket, contact Garden Ridge Center of Dentistry right away. Our caring team can clean the area, apply a soothing medicated dressing, and provide pain relief to help you heal comfortably.

Following your post-op instructions, avoiding smoking and drinking through a straw, and practicing good oral hygiene can greatly reduce your risk of developing dry socket.