Tooth Extractions in Hawthorn Woods
What You Need To Know About Having A Tooth Extracted
At the office of Hawthorn Woods Family Dental Care, our patients’ care and well-being are our top priorities. Every member of our skilled and experienced team strives to ensure patient comfort and a stress-free dental experience. Our dedication to the consistent provision of compassionate and personalized attention along with gentle, precise care has earned our office the respect and trust of our patients.
While we do everything we can to preserve the integrity of your natural smile, it’s sometimes necessary to extract a tooth to protect your oral health and overall well-being.
Some of the most common reasons our office may recommend having a tooth extracted include the following ones:
- A "baby" or deciduous tooth that is over retained (reluctant to fall out), severely decayed, or damaged
In most cases, a baby tooth will fall out as scheduled as the underlying permanent one begins to erupt into place. However, occasionally a baby tooth continues to remain firmly attached to the bone. Either the roots of the baby tooth have failed to resorb and shrink as intended, or the baby tooth has become anklylosed and fused to the supporting bone. The problem is that over-retained baby teeth can disrupt the development and alignment of your child’s smile. As we monitor your child’s smile as they grow, we’ll advise you if and when an extraction of a baby tooth is required to facilitate the eruption of its underlying permanent successor.
- A permanent tooth that has extensive decay and is deemed non-restorable
Beginning as a simple pinpoint defect on the outermost enamel layer of your tooth, untreated dental decay will continue to compromise healthy tooth structure as it works its way to the inner layers of the tooth. Without proper care, a cavity can lead to significant damage to tooth structure, irreversible damage to the nerve of the tooth, a dental infection, and serious consequences to your oral health and overall well-being. When the tooth has sustained far too much structural damage and cannot be restored, a dental extraction may be required.
- A permanent tooth that has been severely fractured or cracked and can not be restored
There are many different types of chips, cracks, and fractures that can affect your teeth. The extent of the damage that it causes will determine if there is enough intact tooth structure to save the tooth and the type of treatment required. In cases where too much tooth structure or the root of a tooth has also been compromised, an extraction may be necessary.
- Advanced gum disease that has significantly compromised the tooth's supporting tissues
The most common cause of tooth loss in adults is gum disease. When left untreated, periodontal disease, which affects the hard and soft tissues supporting your teeth, can lead to gingival pocket formation, gum recession, and diminishing alveolar bone. As advanced and untreated gum disease progresses, the teeth ultimately loosen, fall out, or require extractions.
- Poorly positioned, impacted, or decayed wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth, which are also known as the third molars, are the last permanent teeth to develop in the oral cavity and the final ones to come into place. However, as is often the case, many wisdom teeth do not have sufficient room to erupt, are not developing correctly, develop extensive decay, or cause issues for the adjacent teeth and the surrounding tissues. Although the extraction of wisdom teeth sometimes gets recommended for an older patient, the early removal of troublesome or potentially problematic third molars in young adults is more often the case.
- Overcrowded Teeth
A tooth size to jaw size discrepancy often results in a crowded and misaligned smile. More simply put, the upper and lower jaws are not large enough to accommodate all the permanent teeth. As part of an orthodontic treatment plan to optimally align teeth and establish an attractive, healthy, and functional bite, the extraction of select permanent teeth may be required.
How is a tooth extraction performed?
Whatever the reasons for a dental extraction may be, you can rest assured that your care is in the best of hands at our office. As the first step in care, our dentist will review your medical and dental histories and discuss any special considerations in care.
It’s essential to inform our office of any existing medical conditions or medications you are currently taking. In some situations, extra precautions, including premedication with antibiotics, a change in medication, and a medical clearance may be required. Follow all our pre-surgical directives and let us know if you are sick or have developed other symptoms on the day of surgery.
Our goal is to reduce any anxiety and help ensure patient comfort whenever a tooth extraction is necessary. In advance of the procedure, we’ll discuss any medical considerations or precautions and go over our pre-surgical instructions. We’ll also discuss post-surgical recommendations, including whether replacing the extracted tooth or teeth is needed and the best options in care.
To thoroughly assess the tooth and the type of extraction required, we perform a comprehensive examination and take digital radiographs as indicated. Extractions are typically categorized as either “simple” or “surgical extractions.”
What Is A Simple Extraction?
When the tooth is clearly visible in the mouth and the root anatomy is not extensively hooked, fused to the surrounding bone, or otherwise unusual, it usually falls into the category of a simple extraction. Once the tooth and the surrounding tissues get sufficiently numbed with a local anesthetic, our dentist will loosen any attached periodontal tissues and apply forceps to remove the tooth. As with all dental procedures, we do all we can to help ensure your comfort and relaxation throughout every step in care. For patients who are anxious about dental work or certain procedures, we can discuss additional options in dental sedation.
What Is A Surgical Extraction?
For teeth that are severely broken down, anklylosed, or impacted, a surgical extraction is often indicated. We may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to perform this procedure. During a surgical extraction, a small incision in the soft tissues and localized, precise removal of overlying bone provides greater access to remove the tooth. As with all tooth extractions, patients are given a local anesthetic to completely numb the involved tooth and the surrounding tissues. Once again, additional options in dental sedation, pre-surgical considerations, and directives are thoroughly discussed and explained.
What To Do After Getting A Tooth Taken Out
As skilled and experienced providers of care, we recognize that every case is different and provide treatment that addresses the unique requirements of each patient. Depending on a patient’s specific needs, we provide post-operative instructions, including special instructions, limitations on activities, medications, and follow-up care that support optimal recovery and healing. In some cases, post-op care may also include the involvement of a patient’s physician. In general, and unless modified otherwise by our office, the following post-operative guidelines apply to simple extractions.
Post-Op Care Following An Extraction
- 1 Maintaining gauze pressure
Following your extraction, some gauze to bite down on will be placed over the extraction site. By biting down and maintaining pressure on the gauze as instructed, any active bleeding should stop. You may change the gauze pad after the first hour. Continue to bite down for another 45 minutes if heavy oozing continues. While it’s normal for a little oozing to continue for 24 hours, contact our office if you are still experiencing profuse oozing or bleeding.
- 2 Until the local anesthesia wears off
Until the local anesthetic has completely worn off, it’s essential to protect yourself from unintentionally biting or injuring your lips, cheeks, gums, or tongue.
- 3 Take medications as prescribed
Antibiotics:
If you have been given a prescription for antibiotics, be sure to take the correct dosage and full course of medication as prescribed.Pain management:
It’s helpful to take a pain reliever before the local anesthetic completely wears off. Over-the-counter (non-aspirin) pain medication may be taken to relieve discomfort. Any prescription pain medication should only be taken as directed.
- 4 To facilitate healing
Do not rinse your mouth, spit, drink through a straw, or suck on candies. It’s essential to allow the extraction site to clot and not dislodge the new clot once it has formed.
- 5 Applying ice
An ice-pack held in place in the facial area overlying the extraction site helps to control swelling. Apply the ice for 10-minute intervals during the first day following your procedure.
- 6 Avoid smoking
Smoking not only prevents clot formation, but it also interferes with healing. Avoid smoking and tobacco products for the first week.
- 7 Watch what you eat and drink
Stay away from hot or spicy foods and drinks for the first day or two. Also, refrain from drinking any carbonated or alcoholic beverages. Stick with a diet of soft foods and liquids for the first couple of days following surgery. Drink plenty of fluids.
- 8 Oral hygiene
Brush gently; it’s essential to take great care not to disturb or irritate the extraction site for a few days. A very mild lukewarm saltwater solution can be used to freshen your mouth. Remember not to rinse or spit that first day or two. Simply let any liquids gently fall from your mouth into the sink.
- 9 An appointment for a follow-up visit
If sutures (stitches) were placed, or if a complex extraction, an infection, or other issues requires a visit to monitor your healing and progress, you will be given an appointment for follow-up care. It’s essential that you keep this appointment as provided.
If you experience continued bleeding, ongoing pain, more swelling, have a bad taste in your mouth, or other unusual symptoms, contact our office.
Why choose the office of Hawthorn Woods Family Dental Care?
You deserve quality care that’s personalized to meet your individual needs, and at the office of Hawthorn Woods Family Dental Care, you can rest assured your smile is in the best of hands. We deliver precise and gentle care, keeping you informed and relaxed throughout your procedure. If your tooth needs to be replaced, we’ll discuss your best options, including dentures, fixed bridges, and dental implants. As the most advanced method of tooth replacement available, dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of a natural smile.
Dental Extraction FAQs
The most common reasons for tooth loss include advanced periodontal disease, extensive tooth decay, and facial trauma. According to statistics, gum disease is responsible for close to 70% of tooth loss in adults. Although less frequent than the preceding three reasons, it should also be noted that specific diseases, drugs, smoking, and poor nutrition contribute to the risk of tooth loss.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that in the United States, an average of 12 teeth (including the wisdom teeth) are lost by the age of 50. Also, 26% of adults between 65 and 74 years of age have lost all their teeth.
Every patient and every situation is different. However, when a tooth and the surrounding tissues are numbed with a local anesthetic, you should only expect to feel a bit of pressure, but no pain as the tooth is being loosened from the surrounding tissues and extracted. For patients who are apprehensive and for some surgical extractions, our office will discuss our options in dental sedation to provide further relaxation and reduce any sense of discomfort.
While it’s normal to feel some tenderness and swelling following an extraction, the degree of these sensations can vary. It mostly depends on the complexity of the extraction and the body’s response to the procedure. We’ll recommend or prescribe the appropriate pain medication to help ensure your comfort and give you specific instructions for maximum effectiveness and safety.
Typically, the recovery period following a simple extraction is shorter than a surgical extraction. However, a patient’s overall health, habits, and the size and location of the tooth, and other variables can influence recovery and healing. To speed up the recovery and avoid any complications, patients must follow the given at-home instructions diligently. We’ll carefully review what to expect following your procedure and go over your post-op instructions.
Smoking interferes with blood clot formation, which is an essential first step in the healing process. Blot clot formation not only provides a protective layer to cover the underlying exposed bone and nerve endings, but it also supports the growth of new tissue. Cigarette smoke also contains chemical toxins that can disrupt the healing process and lead to problems such as continued inflammation, infection, or dry socket.
In a very small percentage of cases, a condition known as dry socket can develop in the aftermath of a dental extraction. This painful condition can arise when the blood clot in the extraction site doesn’t form properly or gets dislodged. With dry socket, you may experience throbbing pain and symptoms such as bad breath and an unpleasant taste in your mouth. As skilled providers of care, our office will provide immediate treatment to alleviate your discomfort and promote healing.
The last teeth in your mouth to develop, wisdom teeth often do not have enough room to fully erupt or may be positioned in the wrong direction. These issues can affect your dental health as well as overall wellbeing. While some individuals never develop all their wisdom teeth, and a few have sufficient space for them, there are many people with partially or fully impacted third molars. Our office will monitor the development, position, and health of your wisdom teeth and will advise you if and when extractions are indicated.
After a tooth is removed, bone-grafting material is sometimes placed in the socket to promote healing and encourage new bone development. This procedure is often performed to support the eventual and successful placement of a dental implant.
At the office of Hawthorn Woods Family Dental Care, we strive to make dental care affordable and accessible. Depending on the type or complexity of the extraction and other variables, the cost of the procedure can vary. Based on our diagnostic findings, our office will inform you of the healthiest choices in care, explain the fees, discuss insurance coverage, and explain your payment options.
Many dental plans offer some level of coverage for tooth extractions. We’ll advise you if your plan covers the full cost of the procedure and if there is any out-of-pocket expense. Our business office will work with you to maximize your insurance benefits as much as possible while helping you minimize any out-of-pocket expenses.
Our Patients Are Our Biggest Fans!
What Our Patients Say About Us
I couldn't be happier with the care and treatment I get from the team at Hawthorn Woods Family Dental Care, specifically Dr. Goldberg and Leeanne! Here, you're not just another patient, you're family. Their care, compassion, professionalism and attention to detail are second to none. They are my dentists for life and should be yours too! Thank you Hawthorn Woods Family Dental Care for all you do! YOU'RE THE BEST!!!
This dentistry is wonderful. Not only do they offer the fastest and easiest experience for dentist examinations with two children at the same time with separate technicians. They offer very friendly service. My wife and I cannot recommend them enough.
This is by far the best dentist I have ever gone to in my life. I have had a few over the years with moves and insurance changes. He is great and the staff is just as wonderful to interact with. Each of my visits, for the first time in my life, I actually look forward to going to the dentist. Thank you for your excellent customer service. Truly, recommending you to all of my family and friends.
I had a great experience at Hawthorn Woods Family Dental Care. All the staff and Dr. Copeland were all great. They were able to get me in quickly as well. The office is very clean and nice. I would highly recommend the dental practice.
I had a cavity filled. The staff was friendly, efficient and professional, and the procedure was quick and painless. The was my first visit to the practice after over 15 years with another dentist and I am glad that I made the change.
Best dental experience I've ever had. Dr. Copeland does great work and is honest. I cannot stress enough how much that meant to me after the string of poor experiences I've had at other offices. And the hygienist Cindy provided the most thorough cleaning I've ever had. They aren't even in my dental network but well worth the out-of-pocket expense. I would highly recommend them to anyone.
As a long time patient of Dr. Grise' she has always provided excellent care. Not only is she outstanding at what she does she also manages to treat her patients with respect and a personal touch that makes you feel like family. While the support staff and her assistant are new to me I was impressed with their professionalism as well as efficiency. Great job and team work from all. Thank you!
I would give Dr. Copeland, Mickey, and Marisela (and the rest of the staff) 10 stars if I could. Im extremely scared of the dentist because of a past experience and they made everything so easy and extremely comfortable. They couldn’t have been nicer and more gentle and it was the best experience I’ve ever had at a dentist before.
I could not be more happy with this office. It is like family, they are always so good to us. They remind us of future appointments and they are always so nice. Both of my children go here too and have great teeth! You will love them too!
