Everyone strives to have good oral health throughout their lifetime. Maintaining natural, healthy teeth is essential for chewing and drinking properly and retaining a strong jaw. Unfortunately, the condition of a tooth, or number of teeth, may deteriorate over time, either due to poor maintenance, dietary choices, or natural causes related to aging. In some cases, extracting the affected teeth becomes necessary.
The oral surgeons at Somerset Oral & Maxillofacial Group provide tooth extractions for people in Somerset County and Hunterdon County who have serious oral health concerns caused by infected teeth. Our surgical care corrects the health and functionality of the smile safely and comfortably. We also can help replace the extracted teeth with dental implants for patients healthy enough to receive that care.
Reasons for Tooth Extractions
Although permanent teeth are meant to last throughout a person’s life, some situations can occur that would require a tooth to be removed. Significant tooth decay is one of the most common reasons why a tooth cannot survive in the smile, and injuries to the face can injure the teeth to the point that they will not survive in the smile. In other situations, tooth extractions are performed to properly align teeth through oral surgery. This may be a necessity if a person has extra teeth, often wisdom teeth, or an impacted tooth.
An infection in a specific tooth may also be a cause for a tooth extraction. In this case, decay has gone untreated for too long, leading to a bacterial infection of the pulp of a tooth. If the infection is severe enough and no other options are available, our surgeons can extract the tooth to end the discomfort and health risks the tooth caused.
The Extraction Procedure
All oral surgeries, including tooth extractions, begin with a consultation at one of our offices, conveniently located in Somerville, Hillsborough, and Lebanon. Our doctors will first examine your teeth to determine if a tooth extraction is needed, as it is often considered the most serious treatment option. If a patient does need an extraction, we make it a point to make them as comfortable as possible both during and after the procedure.
Depending on the patient’s individual situation, a local or general anesthetic is administered. The tooth will then be extracted in one of a number of ways based on the condition of the damaged tooth. After the tooth is pulled, a blood clot may form in the socket. If this happens, our doctors will take the necessary steps to ensure the socket will heal correctly and allow the mouth to recover.
Sometimes the blood clot that forms in the socket becomes loose, resulting in a condition that is commonly referred to as a dry socket. When this happens, a sedative dressing is placed on top of the socket to protect it while a new blood clot develops.
Our oral surgeons in Somerset County and Hunterdon County make the tooth extraction process easy and comfortable by making the patient’s well-being their first priority.
Is Your Tooth Causing You Pain or Discomfort?
Somerset Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Group has a team of oral surgeons ready to help you. Our doctors have the experience necessary to perform a swift tooth extraction to help relieve discomfort. Learn more about our convenient hours and locations.
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Following an Extraction
After tooth extractions, a short recovery time is necessary. This typically only lasts a few days. There are a few things a patient can do to speed up the recovery process. These include:
- Applying ice to the outside of the jaw where the extraction took place.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs or prescription medication will reduce discomfort.
- Rest and relax with limited activity
- Rinse the mouth gently with water.
- Avoid smoking cigarettes.
- Eat only soft foods for the first day or two after extraction.
Let Us Provide Skilled Tooth Extractions
Having a tooth removed can be a tough decision to make. However, Somerset Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Group makes the process as painless as possible. Once the extraction and recovery process is complete, patients enjoy healthier, more comfortable teeth.
Our oral surgeons have been providing compassionate care to generations of patients in Somerset County and Hunterdon County. With convenient hours and offices in Somerville, Lebanon, and Hillsborough, we provide unparalleled access to care for both our patients and referring doctors.
To schedule a teeth extraction consultation with one of our oral surgeons, contact our offices in Somerset County and Hunterdon County.
