Tooth Extractions – Hammond, IN
Removing Problematic Teeth to Preserve Your Smile
Your dentist will do everything we can to protect and maintain your oral health. However, in some instances, keeping one of your pearly whites may not be the best option for you, especially if it’s severely decayed or too damaged to be saved. As a last resort, our team at United Dental Centers of Hammond can perform tooth extractions to remove the source of the issue and preserve the rest of your smile! We’ll also be sure to walk you through your tooth-replacement options, that way you know how we’ll plan on closing the gap after you’ve recovered. Keep reading to learn more about this procedure or give us a call if you need to schedule a consultation.
Why Choose United Dental Centers of Hammond for Tooth Extractions?
- Customized & Detailed Treatment Plans
- Utilizes the Latest Dental Tools & Technology
- Accepts Dental Insurance & Financing Plans
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
While tooth extractions are always reserved as a last resort, there are certain instances when the procedure will be necessary to keep the rest of your smile safe. For instance, you might require this treatment if:
- Your tooth is severely infected/decayed and might impact other teeth
- Your tooth is heavily damaged and beyond repair
- The tooth is failing and needs to be extracted before you can get dentures
- Your teeth are too crowded to begin orthodontic treatment
Our team will evaluate your oral health and review the details of why an extraction might be needed to protect the rest of your teeth. We’ll also discuss your various solutions for replacing your missing tooth (if necessary), such as a dental bridge, denture, or dental implant.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
We will first perform a thorough examination and take X-rays of your smile, that way our team can assess your situation and consider the proper treatment plan for you. If we can’t save your tooth, we’ll recommend removing it instead.
For teeth that have already erupted, we might simply need to extract them like normal. We’ll numb your mouth before using dental forceps to loosen the tooth gently and gradually until it comes out of its socket. If the tooth is impacted or stuck under the gumline, then we’ll need to perform a surgical procedure. Our team will create an incision in the gums so we can reach the roots for easier extraction. We may even need to divide the tooth into segments so we can remove it completely before suturing your gums closed.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Once you’ve undergone the procedure, healing will be your top priority. To recover smoothly and effectively, make sure to:
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen to manage discomfort
- Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth
- Stick to soft or liquid foods like yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and soup
- Refrain from using a straw, spitting, and smoking
- Avoid brushing the area to keep the blood clot from being disturbed
- Keep your head elevated whenever you sleep to avoid blood rushing to your head