Do you think you need a tooth extraction, but you're too nervous about the procedure to go through with it? If so, book your tooth extraction with Kathryn Jodry, DDS, in Richardson, Texas. Dr. Jodry offers tooth extractions in a supportive environment, attuned to your comfort. She also provides sedation dentistry to those that need it. To find out more, call Dr. Jodry, or book an appointment online today.
When she can, Dr. Jodry prefers to save or fix your tooth with fillings, crowns, or other restorative treatments.
Unfortunately, sometimes, you need a tooth extraction, and there’s no way around it. You may need a tooth extraction if you have:
Dr. Jodry may also need to perform tooth extractions if you're getting braces, and she needs to make room for your teeth to shift into proper alignment.
Dr. Jodry performs two main types of tooth extractions, simple extractions, and surgical extractions.
During a simple extraction, Dr. Jodry extracts a visible tooth. To do so, she numbs the tooth and gum tissue with local anesthesia, loosens the tooth with an instrument called an elevator, then pulls your tooth out with dental forceps.
During a surgical extraction, Dr. Jodry removes a tooth that has not yet emerged from under your gum line, or that has broken off at the gum line. After she anesthetizes you, she makes a small incision in your gum line to access the tooth.
During a more complicated surgical extraction, she may have to cut into the bone around your tooth to access it, or she may have to cut the tooth in half in order to get it all out.
Immediately after your extraction, Dr. Jodry instructs you to gently bite down on a square of sterile, dry gauze to limit the bleeding. You need to maintain this pressure for half an hour to 45 minutes after your procedure.
Following a tooth extraction, it's normal for you to experience some pain and soreness. To help you manage the pain, Dr. Jodry may recommend or prescribe pain medication. You can also apply an ice pack to your cheek in 15 to 20-minute intervals (15 minutes on, 15 minutes off).
Typically, your pain disappears anywhere from three days to two weeks after your extraction.
Dr. Jodry can replace your extracted tooth or teeth with:
The replacement that she recommends for you depends on how many teeth she extracted, the health of your gums and bone, and your personal preferences.
For the first 24 hours after your tooth extraction, make sure to avoid:
Most importantly, you need to keep the extraction site clean while it’s healing, to prevent infection. If you follow these guidelines, your mouth should heal completely within a few weeks.
Note that if you experience fever, bleeding, swelling, or severe pain at the extraction site, you need to call Dr. Jodry.
Tooth extractions are no fun, but Kathryn Jodry, DDS, strives to make them as pain-free and comfortable as possible. If you think you need to get a tooth pulled, call the office or request an appointment online today.