Teeth Extractions

Mineral Wells, Texas

Our Services

At Dickerson Family Dental, we do everything we can to preserve your natural teeth. However, there are times when extracting one or more teeth is necessary to safeguard your smile. Dr. Dickerson and his patient-centered team use the latest technology and techniques and offer dental sedation options to ensure your experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. We’re committed to providing you with care and service that exceed your expectations.

Why Would You Need to Have a Tooth Extracted?

The following are some of the reasons you may need to have a tooth extracted:

Severe Decay: Extensive tooth decay can lead to pain, and the infection can spread to other areas of the mouth. If the damage is beyond repair, we may need to extract the affected tooth to avoid complications.
Periodontal Disease: If untreated, periodontal disease can break down the bone and connective tissues holding the teeth in place, leading to bone loss and loose teeth. A loose tooth that’s lost its support may need to be extracted.
Trauma: We strive to save damaged teeth after experiencing trauma, but sometimes the damage is just too great. Sports injuries, auto accidents, and other forms of trauma can damage a tooth beyond any possible repair, necessitating its extraction.
Misaligned Teeth: Many people deal with misaligned teeth that cannot be corrected due to overcrowding. Selective extractions are sometimes necessary to create the room the teeth need to move into proper alignment.
Problematic Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth often don’t have the room they need to come in, so they come in at an incorrect angle or are impacted, meaning they are trapped in the jawbone. Problematic wisdom teeth or those with the potential to cause problems may need to be removed to prevent complications.

What Is Socket Preservation?

After extracting a tooth, the jawbone immediately begins to break down, shrink, and change shape. Socket preservation is a type of bone grafting procedure that is performed immediately after removing a tooth. It is designed to preserve the structural integrity of your jawbone and keep the area strong. Socket preservation helps prevent bone loss in the area, ensuring the success of future dentures or dental implants. Dr. Dickerson will help you determine whether socket preservation is right for you.

How Can You Promote Healing After Extracting a Tooth?

After extracting a tooth, a blood clot will begin forming in its socket. Avoid drinking out of a straw, smoking, or rinsing vigorously for 48 hours so you don’t accidentally dislodge the clot. Otherwise, you may develop a complication known as dry socket, which can cause extreme pain.

Make sure to follow the post-extraction instructions to promote healing and recovery. We may also prescribe pain relief medication, depending on the complexity of your procedure. If you have any questions or concerns in the days following your tooth extraction, contact our office for guidance.