Tooth Extraction in Gonzales
Affordable Tooth Extractions
Tooth extractions (removals) may be necessary for several reasons. Sometimes, teeth must be extracted due to poor positioning, such as impacted wisdom teeth, or in preparation for orthodontics. In other cases, decayed or damaged teeth, including those affected by advanced periodontitis (gum disease), must be removed to preserve oral health.
At Gonzales Dental, we offer top-quality tooth extraction in Gonzales for patients of all ages and with a variety of concerns. After a comprehensive dental exam, our experienced dentists can provide personalized recommendations based on your unique needs. Depending on your particular situation, we may recommend tooth extraction, replacement, implants, and/or alternatives to extraction. In every case, our goal is to provide you with the information you need to make empowered decisions about your health.
We invite you to schedule an appointment with Gonzales Dental today; just call (830) 971-0268 or contact us online using our secure form.
What Is Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction refers to the professional removal of a tooth. Most often, tooth extraction is a relatively fast, outpatient procedure, meaning you will go home the same day with instructions for at-home, post-extraction care. Depending on a variety of factors, your dentist or oral surgeon may use local, intravenous, or general anesthesia—or some combination of these methods—to alleviate discomfort during the procedure.
Tooth extractions are commonly performed to treat the following issues:
- Impacted wisdom teeth in teens and young adults
- Excessive tooth decay or damage
- Advanced tooth infections or gum disease
- Teeth crowding and poor positioning in the mouth
- Preparation for braces/orthodontic treatment
In certain instances, such as when teeth are broken below the surface of the gums, successful extraction of the tooth may require a more extensive procedure. At Gonzales Dental, we are committed to making sure you fully understand your options and what to expect from your tooth extraction.
Simple Extraction vs. Surgical Extraction
There are two main types of tooth extractions:
- Simple Extraction: As the name suggests, simple extractions are less-involved procedures that can be performed when there are no or relatively few complications. Patients typically receive a local anesthetic, which is applied directly to the area around the tooth that will be extracted. This prevents the patient from feeling pain, though they may still feel some pressure. With a simple extraction, the tooth is first loosened with an instrument known as an “elevator,” then extracted with forceps.
- Surgical Extraction: Surgical tooth extraction may be necessary when certain complications are present, such as extensive tooth decay. Most patients receive a combination of local anesthesia and intravenous anesthesia for surgical extractions, though general anesthesia may also be used. With surgical tooth extraction, a small incision is made into the gum and the tooth is then extracted. In some cases, a portion of the bone may also need to be removed.
Your dentist or oral surgeon will help you prepare for your tooth extraction procedure. If you have any questions about tooth extraction or an upcoming procedure, please do not hesitate to contact our team at Gonzales Dental. We are happy to provide the answers you need to make informed decisions about your continued oral health.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Aftercare is an important element of successful tooth extraction. In most cases, it only takes a few days up to about a week or two to fully recover from this procedure. However, more involved tooth extractions may have longer recovery periods.
In any case, there are several things you can do to ease the recovery period following a tooth extraction, including:
- Immediately following the procedure, bite down on the gauze placed over the area by your dentist or oral surgeon to help stop bleeding and promote clot formation
- Leave the gauze placed by your dentist or oral surgeon in your mouth for about three to four hours and/or until the gauze is soaked with blood
- After getting home, apply an ice pack to your cheek on the affected side for 10-minute intervals to help reduce swelling
- Get plenty of rest for the first day following the procedure, and avoid using a straw or rinsing for the first 24 hours
- Avoid smoking or vaping until you have fully recovered from your tooth extraction procedure, and do not use chewing tobacco
- Be sure to take all medications prescribed by your dentist or oral surgeon as directed, as well as any over-the-counter pain relief medications he or she recommends
- After 24 hours have passed, rinse out your mouth with a mixture of eight ounces of warm water and half a teaspoon of salt to help prevent infection and inflammation
- For the first day after the tooth extraction procedure, only eat soft foods that do not require chewing, such as applesauce, pudding, and yogurt
- Continue to brush and floss your teeth normally, but be sure to avoid the area where the extracted tooth was when brushing and flossing until it has fully healed
In addition to taking all prescribed and recommended medications, you can help alleviate discomfort after your tooth extraction by keeping your head propped up when lying down and making sure you get plenty of rest. As the area begins to heal, you can slowly begin reintroducing normal foods into your diet, but avoid especially crunchy, solid, and difficult-to-chew foods until you have recovered completely.
Our dental professionals will provide personalized information on how you can care for yourself or your child after a tooth extraction in Gonzales. If you or your child experiences pain that does not go away after a few days or any signs of infection, such as pus or a fever, contact us as soon as possible for a follow-up appointment.
Contact Us Today to Learn More About Our Tooth Extraction Procedures
We encourage you to reach out to Gonzales Dental if you would like to learn more about our tooth extraction procedures, as well as potential alternatives to tooth extraction. We also offer emergency tooth extraction; if you are experiencing pain or other signs of a dental emergency, please feel free to call us or walk into our dental office to receive the treatment you need.
Gonzales Dental accepts all forms of PPO insurance, as well as Medicaid and CHIPS. We also offer multiple payment plans and financing options through Sunbit and Care Credit. Our goal is to provide members of our community, regardless of whether or not they have traditional dental insurance, with the trusted, quality dental services they deserve.
Reach out to us today at (830) 971-0268 or contact us online to learn more!
DON'T WAIT
View Our Helpful Links & Get Started Today
-
Interested in Dental Financing?
We are committed to offering quality services at an affordable price for you and your family. Enroll in our financing options so you can save and smile!
-
Schedule Your Next Exam
Keep up to date with your dental hygiene! Visit our office for your regular cleaning exams.
Step 1 of 6
Request an Appointment
-
- Wassim Itani
"A great and warm dental place that feels like home. He is very experienced and welcoming and does his best to make it a pain-free experience. I would definitely do any dental work for me and the family at Gonzales Dental."
Back, Contact Us
