Keeping all of your adult teeth is the best option for protecting your oral health, but sometimes there’s an issue that’s just too severe to fix. Dr. Michael Courter provides tooth extractions in Midland, TX as a general dentistry procedure. If Dr. Courter decides an extraction is necessary, we’ll take every precaution to make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible.
Although many patients may think that dental extractions are painful, they actually relieve a patient’s tooth pain. Patients with infected, impacted, or even overcrowded teeth can alleviate their pain with a dental extraction procedure.
We can also provide dental sedation to patients for more complex extractions. Removing problem teeth helps the overall smile recover.
Dr. Courter can also provide dental restorations like dental implants to replace teeth that have been removed due to infection. Keep reading to learn about tooth extractions and wisdom teeth removal at our dental office.
What are Simple and Complex Tooth Extractions?
Tooth extractions are often categorized as simple or complex. Simple tooth extractions remove teeth that are above the gum line. Complex dental extractions remove teeth that are at or below the gum line. It may take longer to perform this type of extraction.
We can provide local anesthetic for both simple and complex extractions. For complex tooth extractions, we can offer nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation to relax patients and provide pain-free treatment.
Reasons for A Tooth Extraction
If you are experiencing any of the following concerns, tooth extraction may be the best choice for both your smile and your overall well-being:
- Severe trauma or injury that is too extensive repair.
- An advanced infection that has weakened the tooth and can’t be stopped with root canal therapy or antibiotics.
- An overcrowded mouth that doesn’t leave enough room for successful orthodontic treatment.
- Gum disease has destroyed the tissues connecting the tooth to the jaw.
- An impacted tooth means that it hasn’t properly erupted through the gums.
Removing Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth normally come in between the ages of 17 and 25. Dentists call them “third molars” because they erupt in the back of the mouth behind the second molars. Unfortunately, they often become impacted because there’s usually not enough room in the mouth at that point.
The wisdom teeth are stuck at or below the gum line and can damage the adjacent molars. This causes pain and various oral health problems if they do not fully erupt properly.
Although not every patient with wisdom teeth requires a dental extraction, removing impacted wisdom teeth can prevent tooth pain or damage to the molars. Dr. Courter routinely performs wisdom tooth extractions in our North Midland dental office.
He will make sure you are comfortable during this often-necessary procedure. If you have concerns about your or your child’s wisdom teeth, contact our dental office today to discuss the need for a wisdom tooth extraction procedure.
How Do I Know If I Need to Remove My Wisdom Teeth?
Some patients actually don’t need to have their wisdom teeth extracted. If the teeth can erupt without issue, it’s safe to keep them as long as you can clean them properly. However, your dentist will need to remove them if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Impaction. Wisdom teeth that don’t have enough room to emerge from the gums can cause all kinds of problems, including jaw pain and stiffness, swollen or bleeding gums, and difficulty opening your mouth.
- Misalignment. If your wisdom teeth take up too much space, they can crowd the other teeth, causing crookedness and bite problems.
- Cavities and Gum Disease. Wisdom teeth can create areas in the gums where bacteria and food particles can hide, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum inflammation.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions, we have answers! Read below to find out some of the most commonly asked questions patients have about tooth extractions.
Can I get a dental implant right after a tooth is extracted?
Yes, in many cases, a dental implant can be placed immediately after extraction. This depends on the health of the surrounding bone and gums. If there is an infection or bone loss, your dentist may wait a few months for the infection to heal and the bone to regenerate before placing the implant. An exam and X-rays will help determine the right timing for your situation.
What’s the difference between removing a wisdom tooth and another molar?
Wisdom teeth are often impacted or partially erupted. This makes the removal more complex and requires surgery. Other molars are usually fully erupted and easier to access. Wisdom tooth removal often involves cutting the gum or bone, while other molars may be extracted more simply. Healing times and discomfort levels are usually greater with wisdom teeth.
Will insurance typically cover the removal of wisdom teeth or other extractions?
Most dental insurance plans cover extractions, including wisdom teeth, especially if they’re medically necessary due to pain, infection, or crowding. Coverage may vary depending on whether the extraction is simple or surgical. It’s best to check your plan details or ask your dental office to verify coverage before the procedure.
Do all four wisdom teeth need to be removed at once?
Not always. If only one or two are causing issues, your dentist may remove just those. However, many patients remove all four at once to avoid multiple surgeries and recoveries. Your dentist will review your X-rays and symptoms to recommend the best course of action for you.
What are the signs that a wisdom tooth is impacted or infected?
Common signs include jaw pain, swelling, redness near the back of your mouth, bad breath, or difficulty opening your mouth. You may also notice a bad taste or pressure in your jaw. If the tooth is infected, you could develop a fever or swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms should be evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible.
Can I return to work or school the day after having my wisdom teeth removed?
Most people need at least one to two days off to rest, especially after surgical removal. If the extraction is simple and you feel well, you may return the next day. Avoid strenuous activity and talking too much to allow the area to heal. Follow your dentist’s post-op instructions closely for a smoother recovery.
How do I care for the extraction site to avoid dry socket?
To prevent dry socket, avoid smoking, using straws, or spitting forcefully for at least 48 hours. Stick to soft foods and avoid disturbing the blood clot that forms at the site. Rinse gently with warm salt water the day after surgery, but don’t swish hard. Follow your dentist’s care instructions and call if pain increases suddenly, a few days after the procedure.
Request a Tooth Extraction Consultation
Are your infected or impacted teeth affecting the rest of your smile? Contact Dr. Courter’s North Midland office today for a dental extraction at 432-287-9531. Feel free to schedule a dental consultation on our website.
Dr. Courter sees patients from Midland, the Permian Basin, and Odessa, Texas. Please let him or a member of our dental team know if you have any questions or concerns.