Relieve Pain and End Infections with Dental Extractions
Dental extractions are never the first choice at Dr. Kim Arnold Family Dentistry. However, they may be necessary if you have a crowded, impacted, or irreparably damaged tooth. When dental extractions are necessary in Russell, Kentucky, you can trust Dr. Kimberly Arnold and her team for a safe procedure. We blend personalized care with advanced technology to administer stress-free extractions.
What are the common reasons for dental extraction?
There’s nothing quite like your natural tooth. That’s why we try everything, including fillings, crowns, and root canals, to save your damaged tooth. When we recommend tooth removal, it’s necessary, and leaving it intact outweighs the benefits.
The common reasons for tooth removal include:
- Â Â Â A significantly damaged or decayed tooth beyond repair
- Â Â Â Impacted wisdom teeth
- Â Â Â An over-retained or ankylosed baby tooth
- Â Â Â Advanced gum diseaseÂ
- Â Â Â To resolve overcrowdingÂ
A dental extraction is more than just removing a tooth—it requires careful planning to relieve pain while preventing future complications. We perform extractions as gently as possible, prioritizing bone preservation for optimal healing. Additionally, we develop a long-term plan to restore your smile by replacing the extracted tooth.
What can I expect from a dental extraction?
Our dentist uses dental X-rays to assess your tooth’s condition and determine if removal is the best solution. Digital imaging also helps evaluate the tooth’s position to determine whether extraction should be simple or surgical.
- Simple extraction: These extractions are straightforward and performed on teeth fully erupted and accessible in the mouth. The dentist uses gentle motions to loosen the tooth from its socket. Once loose, the dentist pulls it out in one piece with forceps.Â
- Surgical extraction: This extraction is more complex and is excellent when the tooth is impacted (ingrown) or broken beneath the gum line. The doctor makes a small incision in the gums to access the tooth. Some surrounding bone may be removed, and the tooth may be broken into several pieces. These steps ensure the tooth is removed carefully with minimal disruptions to the nearby structures.Â
Dental extractions aren’t as scary as they sound. We combine powerful anesthetics with gentle techniques to ensure a comfortable dental experience.
What can I expect after dental extraction?
Mild pain, swelling, and bleeding are normal after extraction. Our team will give you post-op instructions on managing pain and promoting a seamless recovery.
- Managing bleeding: Right after the extraction, bite firmly on a clean, damp gauze pad placed directly over the extraction site. Rest with your head elevated using extra pillows to help minimize blood flow to the area.
- Medications: We’ll prescribe antibiotics to prevent infections. Take your medications as prescribed by the dentist.Â
- Diet: Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods until you heal. Avoid spicy, hot, or crunchy foods to avoid wound irritation. Keep your mouth hydrated, but avoid using straws to prevent a dry socket.Â
- Oral hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth, but avoid irritating the extraction site.
- Quit smoking and alcohol: Tobacco and alcohol can interfere with healing, so avoid them until your dentist advises otherwise.
Need your tooth removed?
Persistent tooth pain can disrupt your everyday life. End pain and protect your smile with dental extractions in Russell, Ashland, and the surrounding locations. Call Dr. Kim Arnold Family Dentistry at (606) 836-6022 for comfortable dental extractions.
