Tooth Extractions – Middleburg Heights, OH
Say Goodbye to Trouble Teeth
No one looks forward to losing their teeth, but sometimes it is the best option to maintain the health of your smile. Extractions are never the first option of your dentist, but in certain situations, the preservation of your oral health may be dependent on it. This is why Dr. Jon Kirlough offers tooth extractions in Middleburg Heights to say goodbye to trouble teeth before you end up with more serious issues. To learn more about tooth extractions or to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
We always do everything we can to save a patient’s tooth, when possible, but sometimes this isn’t a viable option. Here are some of the situations where a tooth extraction can help to improve your oral health and function:
- A tooth is severely damaged or decayed to the point where it can’t be repaired
- To allow for a patient to undergo orthodontic treatment and maintain the results
- For ensuring the long-term success of a restoration, like a denture
- When a primary tooth will not fall out on its own
- If a tooth is impacted and unable to erupt properly
In the end, extracting a tooth that is problematic, you may be able to avoid future infections or other oral health issues.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
Teeth are generally removed by either pulling or extraction. Teeth can only be “pulled” when they have fully emerged from the gumline. In this case, the area is numbed around the tooth and a clasping tool is used to shift the tooth around until it breaks away from the gums. When pulling isn’t a possibility, the tooth will need to be surgically removed. For this procedure, a small incision needs to be made in your gums to allow us the ability to reach enough of your tooth and completely remove it.
To determine which extraction method is ideal for you, schedule a consultation with us. This way, Dr. Kirlough will be able to fully evaluate your situation. During this process, tooth replacement options can also be discussed if necessary for you. In many cases, tooth loss can cause future oral health issues if the teeth are not replaced in a timely manner.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Before you go home to rest after your extraction, we will provide you with an aftercare plan to optimize healing and keep you comfortable. Every case is different, but here are some steps that we will generally recommended for a smooth recovery:
- Take recommended over-the-counter and prescribed medication as directed
- Rinse your mouth with saltwater 24 hours after your procedure
- Avoid using tobacco products until your mouth is completely healed
- Don’t use a straw when drinking
- When sleeping, prop up your head on pillows
- Make time for plenty of rest
- Apply a cold compress or ice pack to reduce swelling and discomfort
- Stay away from foods that are hard, crunchy, and sticky
Tooth Extraction FAQs
We only get one set of teeth in our lifetime. Although you can do everything possible to keep your pearly whites in their very best shape, there are cases where extraction is the best option for your oral health. If you’ve never gotten a tooth pulled before, you may have a few questions and concerns about the process. To help you out, our team at Kirlough Family Dentistry has decided to answer some frequently asked questions we receive from patients. Don’t hesitate to give us a call for more information!
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
If Dr. Kirlough says you need to get a tooth extracted, the first thing you may wonder is whether or not the procedure will hurt. Rest assured – it’s not as painful as you think! Before having one or more teeth pulled, Dr. Kirlough will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic to ensure you’re completely comfortable during treatment. Although the procedure itself shouldn’t hurt, you can expect mild soreness and discomfort in the following days. It’s incredibly important that you diligently follow your aftercare instructions to prevent infection, reduce puffiness, and promote faster healing.
What’s the Recovery for Tooth Extractions Like?
Even though the healing process varies significantly from patient to patient, you should start feeling better about three days after your extraction. You can speed up your recovery by diligently following the aftercare instructions provided by Dr. Kirlough. With that in mind, here are a few things to keep in mind while you heal:
- Do not touch the blood clot on your surgical site
- Keep your mouth clean to minimize the risk of infection
- Stick to a soft-food diet (mashed potatoes, yogurt, scrambled eggs, pasta)
- Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as needed
- Use cold compresses
How Long After a Tooth Extraction Can I Get Dentures?
Most patients have to wait about six to eight weeks after getting their teeth pulled to get dentures. Once you’re all healed up, Dr. Kirlough will take impressions of your mouth and send them to a trusted dental laboratory. They’ll create your dentures using the specifications provided to ensure they fit perfectly. After they’re finished, you’ll return to the office to have them placed. Our team will make any final adjustments if needed and teach you how to care for your new smile!
What Are My Options for Replacing a Missing Tooth?
We offer several different options depending on how many teeth you’re getting pulled and where they’re located in your mouth. Here are three of the most common methods of tooth replacement:
- Dental Bridges – These restorations use the adjacent teeth to anchor the replacement tooth in place. It’s the ideal solution for patients missing one tooth or a single row of teeth.
- Dentures – If you are getting multiple teeth pulled or need to replace an entire arch, dentures can seamlessly rebuild your smile.
- Dental Implants – This option is incredibly durable and the only solution that will preserve your jawbone. With proper dental care, your new smile can last decades!