terre haute
tooth Extractions

Gently Remove Troubled Teeth

Remove Damaged or Decayed Teeth

Conservative Care

At Vivid Smiles®, we offer conservative treatment, which means that we will only suggest a tooth extraction if it is absolutely necessary and beneficial for your oral health.

Stay Comfortable

We’re dedicated to your comfort and safety, so we use powerful numbing agents and have sedation available to keep you calm and relaxed throughout your treatment.

Get Honest Advice

If you have a damaged tooth or painful molar erupting that you think may need to be extracted, our dentists offer honest advice to help you make the best decisions for your oral care.

The Basics Of Tooth Extractions

Do I Need an Extraction?

The most common reason that a patient may need to have a tooth extracted require is a problematic wisdom tooth. The wisdom teeth are the final set of rear molars, which usually erupt between the ages of 17-25. By this age, many people do not have enough space in their mouths to accommodate these teeth. This can lead to the improper growth of the tooth and can cause the other teeth to shift or become “impacted”. In most cases, extracting the wisdom teeth is the best way to treat these issues.

Teeth may also need to be extracted if they are seriously damaged by an oral injury, tooth decay, or gum disease. Some dental procedures may also require extractions, like the placement of a dental implant or a partial/full denture. Sometimes, teeth may also need to be extracted to prepare for orthodontic treatment. Contact Vivid Smiles to learn more about tooth extraction.

Signs of Problematic Wisdom Teeth

Common signs that your wisdom teeth are not erupting correctly include swollen gums around your rear teeth, jaw pain, swelling around your jaw, and gum bleeding. In some cases, you may even have bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth, or a fever. If you recognize any of these signs or symptoms, come in for an appointment at Vivid Smiles to have your wisdom teeth checked and extracted, if necessary.

The Extraction Process

First, your mouth will be numbed to ensure that you do not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Then, Dr. Philip or Dr. Paruchuri will use specialized dental tools to loosen your tooth in its socket. Once the tooth has been loosened, they will pull the tooth out by its root. Then, the area will be sanitized, cleaned, and sutured shut. The entire process typically takes less than 5 minutes per tooth.

The Basics Of Tooth Extractions

Common Reasons For Tooth Removal

Do I Need an Extraction?

The most common reason that a patient may need to have a tooth extracted require is a problematic wisdom tooth. The wisdom teeth are the final set of rear molars, which usually erupt between the ages of 17-25. By this age, many people do not have enough space in their mouths to accommodate these teeth. This can lead to the improper growth of the tooth and can cause the other teeth to shift or become “impacted”. In most cases, extracting the wisdom teeth is the best way to treat these issues.

Teeth may also need to be extracted if they are seriously damaged by an oral injury, tooth decay, or gum disease. Some dental procedures may also require extractions, like the placement of a dental implant or a partial/full denture. Sometimes, teeth may also need to be extracted to prepare for orthodontic treatment.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Signs of Problematic Wisdom Teeth

Common signs that your wisdom teeth are not erupting correctly include swollen gums around your rear teeth, jaw pain, swelling around your jaw, and gum bleeding. In some cases, you may even have bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth, or a fever. If you recognize any of these signs or symptoms, come in for an appointment at Vivid Smiles to have your wisdom teeth checked and extracted, if necessary.

What to Expect

The Extraction Process

First, your mouth will be numbed to ensure that you do not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Then, Dr. Philip or Dr. Paruchuri will use specialized dental tools to loosen your tooth in its socket. Once the tooth has been loosened, they will pull the tooth out by its root. Then, the area will be sanitized, cleaned, and sutured shut. The entire process typically takes less than 5 minutes per tooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How painful are tooth extractions?

Tooth extractions are a routine dental procedure performed by professionals like Dr. Roshini Durga Paruchuri and Dr. Nilanchal Sahai at Vivid Smiles. The level of discomfort experienced during a tooth extraction can vary depending on the complexity of the extraction and the patient's overall health. However, it's important to note that modern dentistry has made significant strides in patient comfort.

Local anesthesia is typically administered to numb the area around the tooth, which means you shouldn't feel any pain during the procedure itself. You may feel some pressure, but it shouldn't be painful. After the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some discomfort or swelling, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs. Your dentist will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help minimize any discomfort and promote healing.

How long does it take to fully recover from a tooth extraction?

The recovery time after a tooth extraction can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the extraction and the individual's overall health. Generally, your mouth should start to feel better after a few days, and it will likely be completely healed in one to two weeks.

The initial healing period typically takes about one to three days. During this time, a blood clot will form in the socket where the tooth was removed, which is an essential part of the healing process. Over the next week or so, new skin and bone will start to grow in the socket.

It's important to follow all aftercare instructions provided by your dentist to avoid complications and speed up the recovery process. This includes avoiding smoking, rigorous rinsing, and drinking through a straw for the first 24 hours as these actions can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing.

How to tell if a tooth needs extraction?

There are several signs that might indicate a tooth needs extraction. Persistent pain, swelling around a tooth, and difficulty opening your mouth can all be signs of an infection or an abscess, which may require extraction. Other indications include teeth that are broken or damaged beyond repair, teeth that are crowding others, or teeth that are impacted (unable to emerge through the gums).

However, only a dental professional can accurately determine if a tooth needs to be extracted. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule an appointment with a trusted dental practice like Vivid Smiles in Terre Haute, IN, to get a thorough examination.

What happens if you don't get a tooth pulled?

Ignoring a tooth that needs to be extracted can lead to a range of complications. If the tooth is infected, the infection can spread to other areas of your mouth or even to other parts of your body, potentially leading to serious health problems.

In addition, a damaged or decayed tooth can cause ongoing pain and discomfort. It can also impact your ability to chew properly, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies.

Moreover, if a crowded or impacted tooth is not removed, it can cause other teeth to shift out of place, leading to alignment issues and potential bite problems.

In short, if a tooth needs to be extracted, it's important not to ignore the problem. Reach out to a professional dental practice like Vivid Smiles at (812) 803-2340 to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.

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