Tooth Extractions – Newport, RI
Creating a Healthier Foundation for Your Smile
At Newport Dental Associates, we understand that there’s no replacement that can live up to your natural, strong teeth. That’s why we try everything in our power to preserve them. In some cases, the extent of the decay or damage may be so severe that we may suggest tooth extractions from our Newport, RI dentist in order to preserve the rest of your surrounding teeth. If this is the case in your situation, there’s no need to worry. We offer several tooth replacement solutions that can help you retain the full function and appearance of your smile.
Why Choose Newport Dental Associates for Tooth Extractions?
- Advanced Dental Implants Available
- We Accept Dental Insurance
- Dentist with Endodontic Experience
Common Reasons for Tooth Extraction
Some of the most common reasons why we suggest tooth extractions are:
- You need to start orthodontic treatment but dental crowding is keeping you from being able to begin.
- A tooth is impacted below the gumline is at risk of becoming infected.
- Your tooth is severely decayed and can’t be treated with a filling.
- A tooth is damaged beyond repair.
- One of your permanent teeth is loose due to gum disease.
These are only a few of the many cases in which we may suggest this treatment. The only way to tell whether you require a tooth extraction is to visit us if you’re experiencing any out-of-the-ordinary or painful symptoms. We’ll conduct a thorough examination and develop a treatment plan to get your oral health back in tip-top shape.
How Do Tooth Extractions Work?
Extracting teeth that are above the gumline is a relatively simple process. First, your dentist in Newport will use a gadget called an elevator to gently lift your tooth out of its socket to make it easier to remove. Using a pair of dental forceps, they’ll grab ahold of the biting surface of your tooth that lies above the gumline and gently wiggle it free of its connective tissues, allowing it to easily come out of your mouth.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Once your tooth is extracted, you must keep the treatment site(s) clean. This effort ensures that your gums heal properly. So, remember to use the aftercare tips below:
- Take any prescribed pain medications
- After 24 hours, rinse your mouth with salt water (8oz warm water with half a teaspoon of salt)
- Don’t smoke tobacco products
- Avoid drinking out of a straw
- Don’t perform any strenuous exercise
- Prop up head with pillows while sleeping
- Make sure to get plenty of rest
Once your mouth has recovered, you can replace the missing tooth (or teeth). Doing so will restore your smile, boost your confidence, and lead to better oral health.
Tooth Extractions FAQs
What Risks Are Involved with Tooth Extractions
Honestly, tooth extractions don’t tend to cause major harm. They’re viewed as very safe by today’s modern dentists. Still, these extractions do come with some risks.
Firstly, there’s the risk of infected gums. Pulling a tooth could expose your jaw socket to harmful bacteria. If that happens, an infection may spread from your gum tissue to the rest of your body. Your health would be greatly harmed in that case.
Another potential risk is a dry socket. Per its name, the condition refers to when a blood clot doesn’t form at the treatment site. The result is usually severe pain and a delay in your recovery. That said, you can reduce the odds of a dry socket with proper aftercare.
How Should I Prepare for My Tooth Extraction?
Prepping for a tooth extraction is as vital as using the aftercare guidelines. Once you’ve taken the right measures, you’ll get a lot out of treatment.
Before the procedure, bring up any relevant questions with your dentist. You might ask what to bring, what to eat the morning of treatment, etc. The dental team will gladly address your concerns so you know how treatment will go. From there, you’ll enjoy an even smoother extraction process.
Of course, you should also follow set instructions from your dentist. These range from only drinking water on the day of your visit to getting a prescribed medication. In particular, the dentist will likely tell you to have someone drive you home after your procedure.
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
Some patients fear that a tooth extraction hurts. After all, the inner layers of your chompers have nerves and tissues. You may assume that such body parts ache as a tooth is pulled.
In reality, getting a tooth pulled doesn’t hurt. Your dentist will numb your mouth before starting the process. As a result, the most you’ll sense from the treatment is a slight pressure. There shouldn’t be any pain from your tooth or its surrounding gums.
Granted, you may feel soreness or discomfort after the procedure. The anesthetic applied before treatment will slowly start to fade. As such, it’s crucial that you follow the aftercare instructions precisely. These steps will prevent future infection and promote healing.
Can I Leave the Space Empty After a Tooth Extraction?
After a tooth extraction, you may wonder if leaving the space empty is okay. The general answer is that it’s not a good idea. Should you leave the gap in your grin alone, you’ll face many oral issues.
You see, your teeth do more than form a gorgeous grin. They’re crucial tools that allow you to chew correctly, enunciate words well, etc. That means even one missing back tooth can cause chewing troubles, as you may suffer from poor nutrition and indigestion. The tooth loss can also keep your tongue from forming words, resulting in a lisp.
Given these facts, book a tooth replacement treatment as soon as possible. Your dentist can find a restorative option that works for you.