Tooth Extractions – Northampton, MA • East Longmeadow, MA
Removing Problematic Teeth to Keep Your Smile Safe
The decision to remove a tooth is never one to be made lightly. At EMA Dental, our dentists will always take whatever steps we can to ensure your natural smile remains intact. However, in some cases, we may discover that a tooth simply cannot be saved. If that happens, we can carry out the necessary tooth extraction while helping you stay comfortable during the procedure. Please give us a call if you think you may need to have a tooth removed soon.
Why Choose EMA Dental for Tooth Extractions?
- Same-Day Appointments for Dental Emergencies
- Multiple Options for Replacing Missing Teeth
- Highly Skilled, Experienced Dental Experts
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
There are some specific circumstances where a tooth extraction might be the only choice to protect the overall health of your smile. For example:
- There may be a severe infection in your tooth that could spread to the rest of the mouth if nothing is done.
- The tooth in question has been severely damaged or weakened, and it is beyond the point of being repaired with a crown or another type of dental restoration.
- There isn’t enough space in your mouth for a necessary orthodontic treatment due to the teeth being badly crowded.
- You are planning to get full dentures but some of the teeth that need to be replaced are still in your mouth.
Of course, the question of whether your tooth needs to be removed isn’t one you should try to answer on your own. Our team will need to examine your mouth and learn more about your specific situation in order to determine whether an extraction is truly required.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
The key thing to remember about tooth extractions is that they can fall into two categories: simple and surgical. The kind of extraction you receive will depend on the current state of your tooth.
A simple extraction can be performed if the tooth has completely erupted through the gums. The process involves gently loosening the tooth until it can be taken out of its socket with forceps. A local anesthetic will be used to keep your mouth numb while the extraction is being carried out.
A surgical extraction is often necessary for teeth that are at least partially trapped under the gums. This procedure involves making a small incision in the gums in order to get at the tooth. A small amount of bone tissue may need to be removed as well.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Once your tooth has been removed, a blood clot will form to help the area heal. To make sure the blood clot isn’t dislodged (which can cause a painful dry socket), be sure to avoid drinking through a straw, spitting, or directly touching the extraction site.
When it comes to meals, you should plan on only eating soft and liquid foods. When chewing, be sure to keep the food away from the area where the extraction was performed.
There may be some discomfort while your mouth is recovering. Fortunately, you should be able to manage it with ibuprofen or another type of over-the-counter pain reliever.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
Sometimes, removing a troublesome tooth is the best way to safeguard your smile, but many patients avoid treatment if they’re concerned they can’t afford it. As a result, many inquire about the cost of this procedure.
Our EMA Dental team will gladly provide a detailed estimate during your consultation, after we’ve examined your damaged tooth. Continue reading to learn more about how the total amount is determined, and feel free to contact us for additional information.
Tooth Extractions FAQs
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
To ensure it doesn’t, we will numb your mouth thoroughly beforehand. We will also provide you with a list of aftercare instructions (i.e., taking OTC pain medication as directed, using a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time, eating only soft foods) to help you stay comfortable during the healing period as well. In other words, from start to finish, we will do everything we can to ensure you don’t feel any pain or discomfort.
Can I Leave the Space Empty After a Tooth Extraction?
We don’t recommend leaving the space empty if we extracted your tooth because it was seriously decayed or damaged. After all, even if no one can see the gap when you smile, it can negatively impact the strength of your bite, your speaking patterns, and your oral health. The good news is that we offer several tooth-replacement solutions, including state-of-the-art dental implants.
Can I Smoke After Getting a Tooth Extracted?
You should avoid using any tobacco products for two weeks following the procedure. This is crucial because cigars, cigarettes, and even e-cigarettes can lead to several problems, including delayed healing. If you’ve had trouble quitting smoking in the past, don’t hesitate to let us know. Remember, we aren’t here to judge. We simply want to help you so that you heal quickly.
What Can I Do to Speed Up the Healing Time?
The key is following all of the aftercare instructions we provide you – from changing the gauze pads as needed and keeping your head elevated while you sleep to taking OTC pain medication as directed. Of course, it’s equally as important that you avoid doing anything that can delay the healing process, like lifting heavy weights, smoking, or drinking alcohol. Around three days after your procedure, you should start to feel better, and, around the one-week mark, you’ll get the green light to resume your usual diet (as long as you’ve healed properly, of course).
Is There Anything I Shouldn’t Eat Following a Tooth Extraction?
Yes! Your mouth will be sore, so it’s important not to eat anything extremely hot or cold. It’s also important not to eat hard pretzels, raw almonds, peanut brittle, or any other foods that require immense chewing power. Instead, you should stick to extremely soft foods that are nutrient-dense and softer in consistency, like seedless fruit smoothies and plain yogurt. This will help immensely in the healing process!