Extractions
Tooth Extraction in Southfield, MI
A dental emergency, like severe tooth pain, signs of infection, and symptoms that interfere with your ability to speak, chew, or go about your daily routine, requires immediate care and attention. Hi-Tech Family Dentistry offers 24-hour emergency dental care for urgent issues, and we work quickly to diagnose the problem and address pain, infection, and discomfort. While we make every effort to protect and preserve your natural teeth, there are some cases where it will be safer and better to remove a tooth. When that is the case, we will explain all of your options so that you can make an informed decision. Call now to schedule a consultation for tooth extraction in Southfield, MI.
Why Do You Need a Tooth Extraction?
If a tooth cannot be saved with more conservative measures like a dental filling or root canal therapy, you may need an extraction. An extraction can prevent complications like pain, loss of function, and the spread of infection. Some common reasons for extractions include:
- Severe or widespread tooth decay
- Dental cavities that are too large for fillings
- Severe, deep infections and/or dental abscesses
- Severe gum disease/periodontitis
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Tooth trauma or injury, like a partially dislodged tooth or a severely chipped, cracked, or broken tooth
- Overcrowding
- Preparation for dental restoration
Signs You Need a Tooth Extraction
You should never ignore persistent or severe oral health symptoms. Delaying treatment could cause pain and other symptoms to get worse, and increase your risk of dangerous complications. You may need emergency dental care or an extraction if you have:
- Persistent, severe, or recurring tooth pain
- Intense sensitivity to pressure, heat, or cold
- Swelling in the face, jaw, or neck
- Trouble opening your mouth, chewing, or speaking
- A damaged or cracked tooth
- A loose tooth
- Visible holes or discoloration
- A fever or other signs of infection
- Bleeding gums, pus, or discharge from the gums
- A painful sore or cyst on the gums
Understanding Different Types of Extractions
We perform different types of tooth extractions, including surgical and non-surgical. Non-surgical or simple extractions are possible when the tooth is visible and can be accessed and removed using dental tools. Surgical extractions are necessary when we must make an incision, drill a hole, or use other invasive measures to access the parts of the tooth that need to be removed. Some other common types of extraction include:
- Impacted or Wisdom Tooth Extraction – This is performed when wisdom teeth can’t fully erupt or break through the surface of the gums due to overcrowding or misalignment. We surgically access the impacted teeth and section them into pieces for removal.
- Broken Tooth Extraction – This extraction is necessary if trauma or decay has broken the tooth into pieces. We remove each piece separately, ensuring no fragments remain.
- Infected Tooth Extraction – If you have a severe or deep infection that can’t be treated with a dental filling or root canal, we will need to remove your tooth to keep the infection from spreading.
- Emergency Tooth Extraction – An emergency extraction is necessary if your tooth is too badly damaged due to trauma, injury, decay, or infection to be saved.
What to Expect From a Tooth Extraction Procedure
We do everything we can to ensure your comfort throughout your procedure, including offering oral conscious sedation. Anesthetic will prevent you from feeling any pain or discomfort. We will then use dental tools or surgical techniques to safely and completely remove your tooth. After cleaning the area, we will apply a temporary dental restoration to protect your surrounding teeth and restore function. When you come in for your permanent restoration, we will discuss your options, including dental implants, a dental bridge, or dentures.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare and Recovery
You may experience mild pain and discomfort for one to three days post-extraction. We will give you detailed tooth extraction recovery instructions that can alleviate swelling, bleeding, and pain. The total healing time can take weeks or even months, depending on the number of teeth extracted and the complexity of your case. To maintain your oral and overall health after tooth extraction, we recommend:
- Using sterile gauze or wet tea bags to control bleeding
- Treating pain and swelling with cold compresses, ice packs, or a bag of frozen peas
- Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water or an antibacterial mouth rinse
- Taking over-the-counter painkillers and antibiotics as recommended
- Keeping your head elevated
- Avoiding strenuous activity
- Not smoking or using tobacco products
- Drinking plenty of water and avoiding sugary, acidic, or caffeinated drinks, as well as alcohol
- Following a soft food diet and avoiding chewy, sticky, or hard foods
- Not chewing ice, opening packages with your teeth, biting your nails, or chewing on pens
- Not using straws
- Attending all follow-up appointments when scheduled
Why Choose Hi-Tech Family Dentistry
Hi-Tech Family Dentistry is a team of skilled, compassionate dental professionals. We are committed to using superior technology, advanced techniques, and personalized patient care and education to improve oral health. We strive to make visits comfortable, convenient, and affordable to everyone in our community. Our team is experienced in dealing with patients who have dental fear or anxiety, and we use proven techniques that make visits easier. Our holistic approach to dentistry benefits patients of all ages. In addition to emergency dentistry, we offer general and family dentistry and cosmetic and restorative dentistry services.
Schedule a Consultation and Dental Exam Now
For quick relief from the pain and damage of a sudden dental injury or infection, give us a call or contact us online to schedule an appointment for a dental exam in Southfield, MI. Our team will recommend a treatment plan based on your individual needs. If you choose to have an extraction, we will work to ensure your comfort.
FAQs About Tooth Extractions
Is tooth extraction painful?
We will take measures to protect your safety and comfort before, during, and after your procedure. You should not feel any pain during the extraction, but you might have mild pain and swelling for one to three days afterwards. This can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers, rest, and ice.
What are my alternatives to extraction?
Your treatment plan depends upon your diagnosis, overall health, age, and lifestyle. In some cases, we may be able to preserve the tooth and treat the underlying issue with a dental filling or root canal therapy.
What happens after an extraction?
After extraction, we recommend that you explore your options for restorative dentistry. Without a replacement tooth, you could experience a decline in oral function and comfort, or an increased risk of complications. We can help you determine what type of restoration is right for your needs, whether it is a dental implant, dental bridge, or dentures.
How do you manage patient care after tooth extraction?
Proper aftercare is crucial for tooth or wisdom tooth extraction recovery. We will give you a written list of instructions personalized to your specific treatment and care plan. You can always call our office 24/7 if you have any questions or concerns during recovery.