Tooth Extractions Covington, LA

There are plenty of reasons why teeth might become injured or diseased, and when the teeth cannot be saved, the best approach may be to extract and replace them.

At The Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Center of South Louisiana, we are known for our caring and gentle approach to tooth extractions, always prioritizing patient comfort and safety. Learn more about the reasons for seeking a tooth extraction with Dr. Brandner in Covington, LA.

What Are Tooth Extractions?

Dentists strive to protect and preserve natural teeth whenever possible. It is only when teeth are deemed unviable that the conversation turns to extraction.

A tooth extraction is simply the removal of the tooth from its socket in the bone. In some instances, removing the tooth may also require the removal of bone matter.

Once a tooth is removed, it is crucial to have it replaced to preserve your smile and bite and prevent further bone degradation. Dental implants represent one of the best options for replacing lost teeth.

Reasons Why a Tooth Extraction May Be Necessary

There are several reasons why you may require a tooth extraction. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Traumatic injury. When teeth become badly cracked or broken, there may be no way to salvage them. This often happens following a car collision or sports accident.
• Tooth decay. Significant tooth decay can reach deep to the root of the tooth. When left untreated, this kind of decay may render the tooth unviable.
• Insufficient space. You may need to have teeth removed if there is insufficient room in your mouth. This is especially true of wisdom teeth, which can overcrowd the jaw.

If you believe you have a tooth that requires extraction, the first step is making an appointment with Dr. Brandner, who will evaluate the tooth and let you know if it can be salvaged or just needs to be removed.

Types of Tooth Extractions

There are two basic types of tooth extraction: simple extraction and surgical extraction.

A simple extraction is possible when the tooth is fully visible within the mouth. A local anesthetic is used to numb the treatment area, and the tooth is typically removed from the mouth in one piece.

A surgical extraction may be needed when the tooth is partly or completely submerged beneath gum tissue, obstructed by the jawbone, or badly broken. The patient will be fully sedated for this procedure, and the tooth may be cut into multiple pieces to allow for easier removal.

What To Expect for a Tooth Extraction

It is natural to feel a little nervous about having a tooth extracted, but we always put patient comfort and safety first at The OMS Center of South Louisiana. Here is what you should know about the extraction process.

The Initial Consultation

During your initial visit, Dr. Brandner will review X-ray images of your tooth, verifying its shape and position. This helps confirm that you need the tooth extracted and indicates the type of tooth extraction that will be most appropriate. Dr. Brander will take as much time as is needed to answer your questions and outline options for tooth replacement.

Preparing for the Procedure

For simple extractions, local anesthesia will be applied to ensure you experience zero pain or discomfort. For a surgical extraction, IV sedation is typically used to guarantee patient comfort.

During The Procedure

Depending on the type of extraction and the number of teeth you are having removed, the procedure itself may take as little as 20 minutes or as much as an hour. Our goal is to ensure that you do not feel any pain while the tooth extraction happens.

Recovery from a Tooth Extraction Procedure

Recovery from a tooth extraction typically takes just a few days. You can experience some pain and swelling, the worst of which will subside within one or two days. Prescription painkillers can be used to mitigate the pain, but most patients do not need them, relying instead on over-the-counter remedies.

Dr. Brandner generally recommends that patients abstain from strenuous activity for 24 to 48 hours after their extraction, allowing some time for their body to rest and recover. After that, you will likely feel fine returning to your normal activities.

Find Out More About Getting a Tooth Extracted

There is no reason to live with the pain caused by a diseased or broken tooth. Tooth extraction can eliminate the problem and prepare you for complete dental restoration. If you live in the Covington, LA area and require a tooth extraction or just have questions about the procedure, we invite you to contact us at (985) 687-1616.