Tooth Extractions – San Antonio, TX

A Painless Way to Fix a Toothache

Someone with a nice smile

When you’re dealing with a really serious toothache, you’d probably do just about anything to get rid of it. It can be hard to speak, to sleep, to eat, and to go on with your day as normal when you’re dealing with constant pain. This is when tooth extractions, a painless way to fix a toothache, are most useful.
If you’re near San Antonio, the team here at HIC Dental-Implant & Family Dentistry can help you. Reach out to us for an appointment today and we’ll have you feeling better in no time at all.

Why Choose HIC Dental-Implant & Family Dentistry for Tooth Extractions? 

  • Dental Team Who Puts Patient Comfort Above All Else
  • Convenient Hours that will Fit Your Schedule
  • Sedation Available for Anxious Patients

Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary

Diagram of an infected tooth

Tooth extractions are generally a last resort for dentists, generally only done in situations where a tooth is beyond saving by other means. There are plenty of reasons that this can happen—severe damage to the tooth and profound infections, for example. In these cases, the tooth is removed not only for the patient’s comfort, but to prevent damage from spreading elsewhere to the mouth.

In some situations, tooth extractions might also be recommended before orthodontic treatment in order to allow for easier alignment. 

The Process of Removing a Tooth

Tooth in a pair of forceps

The first step in any tooth extraction will be to numb your mouth completely, ensuring your complete comfort throughout the duration of your time with us. Once we’re sure that the anesthetic has taken effect we’ll begin the process in earnest, using a tool called an elevator to gently lift the tooth out of its socket. At this point we’ll use forceps to gently wiggle the tooth out of place.

After that, the only thing you’ll have to worry about is aftercare and picking out the style of tooth replacement that best fits your circumstances.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

Someone resting outside

Tooth extraction aftercare can sound intimidating, but as long as you take care of yourself, you should recover quickly. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Bite on gauze for 30-45 minutes to stop bleeding. Replace gauze as needed.
  • Take prescribed painkillers or over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.
  • Apply ice packs to reduce swelling.
  • Stick to soft, cool foods like yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes.
  • Avoid hot, spicy, or hard foods.
  • Rinse mouth gently with saltwater after 24 hours.
  • Avoid brushing near the extraction site initially.
  • Avoid strenuous activities for a few days.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Avoid using straws to prevent dry socket.
  • Refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol for a few weeks prior to and after treatment.

If you have any questions about the tooth extraction process, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us today!