Sloan Creek Dental recognizes that the health of your mouth is a priority, which is why we choose to provide conservative dental care by making every effort to save your natural teeth. However, in some cases, Dr. Feng may recommend extracting one of your teeth if it can’t be saved, such as if a tooth has severe tooth decay or is at risk of infecting nearby teeth. If this happens, we will explain why you need it extracted and provide a treatment plan to restore your oral health. Whether you’re anticipating orthodontic treatment with Dr. Feng, or need immediate attention for an emergency dental situation, our caring and compassionate team is available to help you.
Flexible Hours – Emergency Appointments Available Near McKinney
Experienced & Compassionate Team of Dentists
Sedation Options Available For Your Comfort
Your smile is important to us, and we emphasize the preservation of your natural teeth and gums, but sometimes a tooth extraction is the most effective treatment for oral disease. If a tooth extraction is necessary for your dental health, here’s what you can expect if you opt for this treatment:
A tooth extraction procedure always involve the use of a local anesthetic. During this process, the local anesthetic will completely numb the surrounding area, so you don’t have to worry about it being painful. If you experience anxiety at the dentist or you think you will want dental sedation during your oral surgery, please let our team know, and we will be more than happy to add sedation to your treatment plan. Sloan Creek Dental offers nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation, both very safe and effective forms of dental sedation that can help reduce anxious thoughts and promote a sense of relaxation during the extraction.
After the examination, Dr. Feng will discuss your treatment plan with you so you may understand the specifics of the dental procedure. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area and make the procedure more comfortable. Depending on the treatment plan, there are two types of extractions done by a general dentist or an oral surgeon:
After the procedure, Dr. Feng will clean the socket and place gauze on it to promote clotting. Depending on the treatment, you may be prescribed painkillers to help with the pain.
Following the procedure, we will provide you with a recovery plan to heal your gums. The healing process can vary depending on the severity of the problem and what type of extraction you’re having. However, recovery time is generally rather quick, and over-the-counter pain medication in addition to applying ice to the treated area can help reduce swelling. Here are some guidelines to help with the recovery:
After your tooth removal, we understand that thinking of a tooth replacement won’t be top of mind during your recovery. However, it’s important to consider tooth replacement options sooner than later. With the tooth root no longer present, the bone in your jaw will begin to deteriorate, leaving your surrounding teeth to shift out of place, cause unnecessary pain, and may cause further complications in the surrounding area. There are two options to replace a single tooth.
“Awesome, no more dentist phobia! They were able to see me ASAP and did the extraction at the same time ! The doctor even took the time call me the next day to check on me.”
– Kenya A. (May 2021)
After you’ve lost a tooth, the healing process can take approximately one to two weeks. New bone and gum tissue will grow into the space where your tooth was removed, but over time the remaining teeth surrounding the area may shift, affecting your bite and making chewing difficult.
When the tooth is being loosened and extracted, you may feel a slight pressure, but no pain. You might also hear some sound, which is normal in order to remove the tooth.
It may be cheaper to pull a tooth than to repair it, but the ultimate cost of replacing the tooth will be higher in the long term and will take much longer to deal with. If given the option to save the tooth or extract it, Dr. Feng will always recommend saving the tooth. Once the tooth is removed, bone loss in the jaw may occur, resulting in one or more teeth shifting.
The time it takes to extract a tooth depends on the complexity of the case, but it generally takes around 20-50 minutes.
You should avoid brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash for 24 hours after your tooth is pulled. This gives the empty tooth socket enough time to begin healing itself and to form a blood clot.
Following the first 24 hours, you can resume gently brushing and flossing your teeth. Try not to brush near the extraction site as you may accidentally agitate the area.
Cleaning, check-ups, and your dental care at Sloan Creek Dental near McKinney is important for your oral health. Patients in the surrounding areas of Allen, Fairview, and McKinney find these appointments beneficial to their teeth and gums, as well as their overall health. Walk-ins are also welcome, and emergency situations will be handled with a smile and a quick fix if possible. Call our dental office today to schedule your next dental appointment.
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