Tooth Extraction Services in Philadelphia, PA

When Do You Need a Tooth Extraction?

There are many situations where tooth extraction may be necessary, including:

• Tooth decay or damage beyond repair
• Impacted teeth
• Crowding or misalignment of teeth
• Preparation for orthodontic treatment
• Infection or inflammation in the tooth or surrounding gum tissue

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, schedule a consultation with our oral surgeon to determine if a tooth extraction is the right option for you.

Benefits of Tooth Extraction Services

The idea of willingly giving up a permanent tooth might make you feel anxious or even sad, but there are situations where tooth extraction can be highly beneficial to your oral and overall health. Tooth extractions can provide several benefits, some of which include:

• Relief From Pain or Discomfort: Tooth extractions can alleviate pain caused by decay, infection, or trauma. By removing the affected tooth, you can experience immediate relief from discomfort.
• Improved Oral Health and Hygiene: Extracting a decayed or infected tooth can prevent the spread of infection and decay to other teeth. It can also improve overall oral health and hygiene by removing a source of bacteria.
• Prevention of Future Dental Issues: Extracting a tooth that's causing problems can prevent future dental issues from developing. For example, removing a crowded tooth can prevent further misalignment of the teeth.
• Improved Alignment of Teeth: Tooth extractions can create more space in the mouth to improve the alignment of the remaining teeth. This can be helpful for patients who need orthodontic treatment.
• Preparation for Dental Procedures: In some cases, tooth extractions may be necessary to prepare for other restorative dental procedures, such as dental implants.

The Surgical and Non-Surgical Tooth Extraction Process

Consultation

Before a surgical or non-surgical tooth extraction, you’ll attend an initial consultation with Dr. Nguyen to discuss the extraction and any concerns. During the consultation, Dr. Nguyen will examine your teeth and take X-rays if necessary to determine the best approach. If you’re feeling nervous about the procedure or facing a lengthy procedure, your Philadelphia oral surgeon can prescribe sedation dentistry options as needed. 

Preparation

If you’ve been approved for a tooth extraction service, Dr. Nguyen will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. Once the area is numb, Dr. Nguyen will either perform a surgical or non-surgical extraction procedure. For non-surgical tooth extraction, she’ll use a dental tool called an elevator to loosen the tooth and a pair of forceps to gently rock the tooth back and forth until it comes out. Dr. Nguyen will examine the area to ensure all parts of the tooth have been removed and there are no remaining fragments.

For surgical tooth extraction, Dr. Nguyen will make a small incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth. Any bone that may be covering the tooth will be removed. Next, Dr. Nguyen will use forceps or a dental drill to loosen and remove the tooth from the socket. Stitches may be required to close the incision.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

Once your tooth or teeth have been extracted, it’s vital to take proper care of your oral health to prevent pain, infection, and other post-extraction complications. Here’s what Dr. Nguyen will likely suggest for aftercare:

1. Bite down on a piece of gauze to help stop any bleeding and hold it in place for 30 to 45 minutes.
2. Apply an ice pack to the affected area to help reduce swelling.
3. Avoid eating or drinking hot or cold foods for a few hours after the extraction.
4. Stick to soft foods for the first few days.
5. Don’t smoke or use tobacco products.
6. Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help keep the area clean.
7. Take any pain medication and antibiotics as prescribed by Dr. Nguyen.
8. Avoid strenuous activity or exercise for the first few days after the procedure.
9. Avoid using straws or blowing your nose as these actions can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing.