Houston Dentist Serving Patients in Pasadena, Channelview, Baytown and Nearby Areas of Texas
At Love Brushing Dentistry, we want you to enjoy a long-lasting natural smile. But sometimes a tooth extraction is the best course of action for your overall health. Not only can an infected tooth threaten the well-being of your other teeth, it can negatively impact your body’s overall wellness.
If you live in the Pasadena area and are looking for an experienced dentist to perform your tooth extraction, please contact us online or call 713-490-2088 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sanaz Khavari. We welcome patients from Houston, Baytown and Channelview, Texas.
What Is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is a dental procedure that involves the removal of a natural tooth. When a tooth becomes severely infected, the infection is capable of spreading to your other teeth.
Some cases of infection can even extend beyond your mouth and into your bloodstream, potentially leading to very serious health issues. A tooth extraction can prevent oral health issues and protect your overall well-being.
When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?
A tooth extraction may be appropriate for a number of reasons, from an unexpected accident to a damaging progression of periodontal disease. Situations that may warrant a tooth extraction include:
- Infection or risk of infection
- Overcrowded teeth
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- A tooth that is severely decayed
- A tooth that is seriously damaged from trauma
How Is a Tooth Extraction Performed?
When it’s time for your procedure, Dr. Khavari will numb your gums, tooth and jawbone with a local anesthetic. She will then widen the socket for removal by rocking your tooth firmly in its socket. You will feel pressure during the removal process, but not pain; the anesthetic will numb the nerves from transmitting pain however, the sensation of pressure will still be present.
Some patients may benefit from sedation dentistry during tooth extraction. If you experience any fear or anxiety leading up to your procedure, discuss your concerns with Dr. Khavari right away.
When teeth must be removed, particularly ones that appear in your smile, several tooth replacement options are available, such as:
In some situations, Dr. Khavari may recommend bone grafting to accompany your tooth extraction. This is a very safe and common procedure that will assist in your recovery and ongoing oral health.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Following your tooth extraction, your recovery may take a couple of days. Avoid complications and relieve discomfort by following these tips:
- Do not smoke.
- Use pain relievers as recommended or prescribed.
- In the event of minor bleeding, place a swathe of moist gauze on the extraction site.
- Minimize swelling by applying ice to your face in 10-minute intervals for up to 24 hours.
- Avoid rinsing, spitting or sucking for six hours following the extraction.
- After six hours, rinse your mouth with a mixture of warm water and a half-teaspoon of salt.
- Avoid brushing your teeth near the extraction site for 24 hours. After that, you can resume gentle cleaning.
- For most extractions, stick to soft foods and avoid chewing near the extraction point for at least a day or two. Slowly introduce solid foods as the area begins to heal. Do not consume alcohol or hot liquids for 24 hours following the procedure.
To schedule your tooth extraction with our skilled and compassionate dentist, please call Love Brushing Dentistry today at 713-490-2088. Our Houston office proudly serves the Pasadena, Channelview and Baytown areas of Texas.