Tooth Extractions – Winchendon, MA
When Removing a Tooth is the Only Option
Although Dr. Hakwati at Unique Dental of Winchendon works hard to protect and preserve your natural teeth, they can sometimes become too damaged to be saved. Unfortunately, an overly decayed or broken tooth can cause an infection that can detract from your oral well-being. In these cases, he may have to extract it to keep your mouth healthy. Rest assured, he only suggests this fix when removing a tooth is the only option.
Continue reading below to learn more about the process, and feel free to call our office for more information.
Why Choose Unique Dental of Winchendon for Tooth Extractions?
- Reliable Tooth Replacement Solutions
- Skilled Dentist With 10+ Years of Experience
- Evening & Weekend Appointments Available
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
Like any procedure, having a tooth extracted comes with a certain risk of complications, like developing an infection. That’s why our team tries to repair or restore your tooth with other treatments first. If Dr. Hakwati has recommended removal, it’s usually because there is no other way to fix the problem effectively.
Some common reasons you might need to have a tooth taken out include:
- Severe decay that cannot be restored.
- Physical injury or breakage.
- Relieve infection associated with an impacted tooth.
- Ensure there’s room for other dental work, like dentures.
If you have a decaying tooth, the disease can spread to your neighboring teeth, gums, and jawbone. Pulling it lowers the risk of spreading infection.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
If you’re anxious about your upcoming tooth extraction, you’re not alone! Many patients feel more at ease once they understand more about the step-by-step process.
There are two types of extractions, and they are:
- Simple extraction. If your tooth is fully erupted and easily accessible, Dr. Hakwati can likely remove it with relative ease. He’ll apply a local anesthetic so you don’t feel any pain, then grasp the problem tooth with forceps. Next, he’ll gently rock it back and forth until it separates enough from your gum tissue to slip free.
- Surgical extraction. This method may be necessary for larger teeth that are harder to access, like your molars. It’s also required to reach teeth that are partially covered by your gums. First, we’ll numb the area so you feel at ease. Then, our dentist will make a small incision in your gums. Finally, he may have to separate it into smaller pieces to minimize potential bone loss during removal.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Our team will give you instructions to follow after your procedure to help you heal quickly and without complications. We usually ask that you:
- Take any prescriptions as directed. We may prescribe antibiotics or pain medications to prevent infection or assuage any aches, which you should take exactly as directed.
- Don’t brush your teeth. For the first 24 hours, don’t brush and floss. Instead, rinse your teeth with warm salt water to eradicate unwanted germs and food particles.
- Avoid straws. The suction created when drinking through a straw can dislodge the blood clot that is essential for recovery.
- Quit smoking. Tobacco contains nicotine that restricts blood flow and oxygen levels, making it harder for your mouth to get the nutrients it needs to mend itself.
- Activities that elevate your blood pressure or heart rate can dislodge your blood clot and lead to a painful complication known as dry socket.