Even the healthiest teeth may qualify for tooth extraction if they have been affected by a dental condition such as a dental accident, a bad oral infection, an impacted wisdom tooth, or teeth that are too overcrowded to receive orthodontics. Whatever your reason for needing tooth extraction, we offer a review of the process for the procedure and recovery.
After taking dental X-rays to determine if a tooth extraction is needed, we will numb the tooth and surrounding area using local sedation or a general anesthetic to keep you fully comfortable during the procedure. Following surgery, you may receive a prescription for anti-inflammatories, painkillers or antibiotics to promote recovery and prevent infection if you have a weakened immune system.
Most patients require a week or two for tooth extraction recovery, depending on your specific needs, and you may need to stick to a soft food diet during this time. Eventually, surrounding bone and gum tissue will fill the gap where your tooth used to be. We can also fill the gap with a dental restoration such as a fixed bridge, dental implant or dentures for long-lasting tooth replacement.
Contact Sharon Sims at 318-631-1100 if you need to see Dr. Sharon Sims, our experienced doctor, about tooth extraction in Shreveport, Louisiana.