- What Is a Tooth Extraction?
- How Is Tooth Extraction Performed?
- What Can I Expect After Tooth Extraction?
- What Are Some of the Benefits of Tooth Extractions?
- Tooth Extractions Reviews
- Am I a Candidate for Tooth Extractions?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Tooth Extraction in North Mississippi
- Get In Touch
- Related Procedures
What Is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is a procedure where a damaged, decayed, or impacted tooth is removed to restore oral health. At North Mississippi Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, extractions may be necessary due to severe decay, advanced periodontal disease, fractures that cannot be repaired, or to make room for orthodontic treatment. While removing a tooth can improve your dental health, it can also affect your chewing ability and jaw joint function and cause shifting of surrounding teeth. To prevent these complications, we will always discuss alternative treatments and options for replacing the extracted tooth to ensure your continued oral health. To learn more about this or if you are in need of an emergency tooth extraction, contact one of our locations in Tupelo, Corinth, Southaven, or Oxford, MS.
How Is Tooth Extraction Performed?
Tooth extraction at North Mississippi Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates begins with numbing the area around the affected tooth, including the tooth, jawbone, and surrounding gums, using a local anesthetic. This ensures that you do not feel pain during the procedure, though you may experience pressure as the tooth is rocked back and forth to widen the socket for removal. While the anesthetic prevents pain, it doesn't numb the sensation of pressure, so you will feel pressure during the process. If any discomfort arises, it's important to inform your surgeon immediately so they can adjust the anesthesia. In some cases, a tooth may be too firmly anchored or the roots too curved for simple extraction. In such instances, the tooth is sectioned into smaller pieces to make removal easier. Each section is carefully removed one by one. Our surgeon may use specialized tools to extract the tooth cleanly, ensuring minimal damage to the surrounding bone and tissues.
What Can I Expect After Tooth Extraction?
After tooth extraction at North Mississippi Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, it's essential to follow proper care to ensure a smooth recovery. Immediately after the procedure, we'll have you bite on a gauze pad for 30 – 45 minutes to help stop the bleeding. If bleeding continues, replace the gauze and bite down for another 30 minutes. Once the blood clot forms, it's crucial to avoid disturbing it. For the first 72 hours, things to avoid after tooth extraction include:
- Rinsing vigorously
- Sucking on straws
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Brushing near the extraction site
- Vigorous exercise (for 24 hours only)
These activities can dislodge the clot and hinder the healing process.
You may experience some pain and swelling, which can be managed with ice packs and prescribed medications. Swelling should subside within 48 hours, and pain relief medications should be taken as directed.
Continue to follow care after tooth extraction instructions, including taking antibiotics if prescribed, staying hydrated, and eating soft foods on the day of the extraction. You can return to normal activities after a few days, but if you experience excessive bleeding, severe pain, or prolonged swelling, contact our office immediately.
What Are Some of the Benefits of Tooth Extractions?
Tooth extraction can provide several benefits, including:
- Relief from severe tooth pain
- Prevention of infection or decay from spreading
- Improvement in oral hygiene by removing difficult-to-clean teeth
- Reduction of crowding or misalignment in preparation for orthodontic treatment
- Removal of impacted or damaged teeth that cannot be restored
Tooth Extractions Reviews
My son had his wisdom teeth removed a little over a week ago. Dr. Roberts at the Southaven office did the procedure. Everyone in the office was helpful and answered any questions we had. My son followed the care guidelines and is doing well! Thank you for a smooth experience!
I recently had an impacted wisdom tooth extracted by Dr. Maharrey, and I had an excellent experience. The entire staff at North MS Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery was kind, professional, and made me feel comfortable throughout the procedure. Dr. Maharrey was outstanding—he took great care of me and made the surgery go smoothly.I'm currently on day three of recovery and have experienced little to no swelling, which has exceeded my expectations. I truly appreciate the quality of care I received and would highly recommend this office to anyone needing oral surgery. I will definitely return if I need any future dental or oral surgery work.
I had both upper wisdom teeth extracted after coming in a few years ago. Everything went fine. Dr. West , the nurses and front staff were great. They were very comforting when I told them about the recent death of my husband. Excellent customer service, professionalism, and caring attitudes. Recovering well with no problems. I thank the Lord for sending me to North Mississippi Oral and Maxillofacial Services.
I had surgery today on a tooth extraction and a surgery around 14 years ago to remove wisdom teeth and correct my jaw line to break it and put plates and screws in it. I had a longer recovery with the surgery 14 years ago, but today was absolutely a breeze. The whole clinic was fantastic. Dr chrisman had the surgery done in about 30 mins and I was out the door so quickly! Can’t recommend this clinic enough.
I had a great experience with this dentist office. My son had to get his wisdom teeth out. I was a little nervous at first for getting all four of them out but the staff here were very friendly and helpful. They explained step by step and they made sure I understand everything. I’m grateful that I brought my son here. So now I’m thinking I need to get two of my teeth removed at this office. This dentist is highly recommended.
91
Total Reviews
5
Average Rating
Am I a Candidate for Tooth Extractions?
While preserving your natural teeth is almost always the preferred goal, there are situations where removing a tooth is the healthiest and most predictable option. Tooth extraction may be recommended when a tooth cannot be successfully restored or when keeping it could compromise surrounding teeth, bone, or overall oral health. During your consultation, our team will carefully examine your teeth, gums, bite, and imaging studies before determining whether extraction is truly the best course of action. You may be a candidate for tooth extraction if you:
- Have a severely damaged or fractured tooth
- Have advanced tooth decay that cannot be restored
- Have advanced gum disease affecting tooth support
- Need removal of impacted wisdom teeth
- Have overcrowding before orthodontic treatment
- Have a tooth infection that cannot be successfully treated
- Have a loose tooth due to bone loss or trauma
- Need extraction as part of a larger oral surgery treatment plan
Many patients are understandably nervous when they hear they need a tooth removed. If extraction is recommended, our team will explain why, discuss replacement options when appropriate, and help make your procedure as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a tooth extraction hurt?
During the procedure, our team will use a local anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel pain, though you may feel pressure as the tooth is removed. If you feel any discomfort, let us know so adjustments can be made. Post-procedure pain can be managed with prescribed medications and proper aftercare.
What can I eat after a tooth extraction?
To avoid disturbing the blood clot, you’ll need to stick to soft foods for the first 24 to 48 hours after the extraction. Yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and broths are great options. Avoid hard, crunchy, or hot foods until North Mississippi Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates confirms that your healing is progressing well.
How can I reduce swelling after a tooth extraction?
Swelling is common after a tooth extraction and can be minimized by applying an ice pack to the outside of your cheek for 15 minutes at a time. This should be done within the first 48 hours. Our staff in Tupelo, Corinth, or Southaven, MS, may also prescribe medication to help with both swelling and discomfort.
Tooth Extraction in North Mississippi
If you're experiencing tooth pain, damage, or overcrowding, tooth extraction may be necessary. At North Mississippi Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, we offer tooth extraction services to help relieve discomfort and prevent further dental complications. Our skilled team is here to guide you through the entire process, ensuring your comfort and a smooth recovery. Don't wait to take care of your oral health—contact one of our locations in Tupelo, Corinth, or Southaven, MS today to schedule a consultation!