Tooth Extractions – Concord, NH

Save Your Smile by Pulling Problematic Teeth

Although our team at Charm Smile Dental typically does everything we can to repair and preserve your natural grin, if you have a tooth that is overly damaged or decayed, it can put your oral health at risk. In these instances, Dr. Homsi can save your smile by pulling problematic teeth. Continue reading to learn more about why this solution might have been recommended and how the process works. As always, feel free to contact us with any additional questions.

Why Choose Charm Smile Dental for Tooth Extractions?

  • Sedation Optional for Enhanced Patient Comfort
  • Flexible Financing Available
  • Milling Machine for Same-Day Restorations

Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary

In most instances, repairing a damaged tooth is the best way to maintain a functional and beautiful smile. However, if you have one with a severe cavity or injury, there may be no feasible way to repair it. A tooth extraction might be required when:

  • Your tooth can’t be repaired with a filling, bonding, or other solution.
  • You need more room in your mouth to successfully complete orthodontic treatment.
  • You’re being fitted for dentures.
  • A child’s baby tooth doesn’t fall out on its own.
  • You have an impacted or infected tooth.

Tooth decay and infections can impact your gums and jawbone, seriously harming your dental health. Taking the culprit out can prevent further complications.

The Process of Removing a Tooth

The steps involved in your procedure can vary based on where the tooth is and the type of damage. If it’s in the front of your mouth and is easily accessible, Dr. Homsi can remove it relatively easily with a simple extraction. First, he’ll numb the area with a topical anesthetic and/or sedate you. Then, he’ll grasp your tooth with special forceps and wiggle it gently until it loosens from your gums and can slip free.

If you have an injured molar or if your tooth isn’t easy to get a hold of, Dr. Homsi may have to perform a surgical extraction. This also involves numbing and/or sedating you, but then he’ll place a small incision in your gums. He may need to break your pearly white into smaller pieces to prevent additional bone loss when removing it from its socket.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

As with any surgical procedure, there are some post-op care instructions that you’ll need to follow to recover as quickly and effectively as possible. You’ll need to keep the incision site as clean as possible to prevent infection. You must also allow a blood clot to form over it to protect the underlying nerves and bone tissue that are exposed.

We typically ask that patients:

  • Take medications as prescribed. We might send you home with antibiotics to prevent infection or painkillers to help with discomfort. It’s important to take them as directed to avoid complications.
  • Rinse with salt water. Don’t brush or floss for the first 24 hours after your appointment because you could dislodge your blood clot. Instead, gently rinse your mouth with a natural disinfectant made by mixing 8 oz of water with half a teaspoon of salt.
  • Don’t smoke. Tobacco products contain nicotine that constricts your blood vessels, making them less able to deliver essential nutrients to your mouth to help it heal.
  • Get sufficient rest. Steer clear of strenuous activities or exercises that elevate your heart rate or blood pressure because you could dislodge your blood clot.
  • Avoid straws. The force of suction created when drinking through a straw could push your blood clot out of place.

Tooth Extractions FAQs

Does Tooth Extraction Hurt?

Many patients are anxious about committing to dental treatments because they are concerned that a procedure might hurt. Thankfully, Dr. Homsi begins every tooth extraction by administering an appropriate anesthetic treatment to ensure that the patient feels no pain. While you may experience some soreness or discomfort after the procedure, you can minimize these by following your aftercare instructions to prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and accelerate the healing process. However, if your discomfort seems to be getting worse or if you show signs of infection such as a fever, fatigue, or a sour taste in your mouth, get in touch with our team in Concord as soon as possible.

Is There an Alternative to a Tooth Extraction?

While many tooth replacement appliances such as dental implants, dentures, and bridges are designed to be durable and extremely lifelike, Dr. Homsi’s priority is always to preserve your natural smile. While a tooth with severe decay or dental damage can often be saved with a root canal and a dental crown, this option has probably already been ruled out of Dr. Homsi is recommending extraction. However, if our dentist is recommending the removal of your tooth, you can rest assured that it is the best way to restore your oral health and keep your smile in great shape.

What’s the Recovery for Tooth Extractions Like?

Dr. Homsi will provide you with a detailed list of aftercare instructions to keep you comfortable, prevent infection, and keep your healing process going smoothly after you have your tooth extracted. It’s particularly important to get plenty of rest and take care of the blood clot that forms where the extracted tooth used to be, as dislodging this protective mass can lead to a severely painful condition called dry socket. To avoid this problem, refrain from smoking, spitting, and drinking through a straw, as these actions involve pressure changes inside the mouth that can dislodge the blood clot. It’s also important to keep your mouth clean to reduce the risk of infection, so you will be instructed to rinse with a salt-water solution and resume brushing and flossing after one or several days have passed. You can also expect your instructions to include changing the gauze when necessary, using a cold compress, eating a soft diet, and taking prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. While each patient is different, you should start feeling better after three days have passed.

Can I Smoke After Getting a Tooth Extracted?

Tobacco use in any form can hinder your gums’ ability to heal and fight infections, so it is important to refrain from smoking, vaping, or chewing immediately after tooth extraction. While you should abstain from your tobacco habit for at least five days after the procedure, it’s even better to abstain for at least two weeks and ideal to quit completely. If you’ve had trouble quitting in the past, feel free to talk to Dr. Homsi, as he may be able to connect you with a few helpful resources before your extraction.