Tooth Extractions
Dallas, TX
 Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. If one of your teeth is damaged by decay or injury, we may need to extract it from its socket in the jawbone. We will first attempt to repair it with other treatments such as with a crown or filling, but if the tooth is irreparable, we must remove it.
When is Tooth Extraction Necessary?
In addition to severely damaged teeth, we also extract loose teeth if we can’t save them with bone grafts. Extraction is also called for when baby teeth don’t come out properly or block permanent teeth from erupting. Patients receiving braces treatment may also need teeth removed if they’re blocking the teeth we want to move. People receiving radiation or cancer medication may also need teeth extracted if they interfere with treatment. Tooth extraction for pain management may also be necessary.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions
You have 4 wisdom teeth, and they usually erupt around age 25. Wisdom teeth removal is common, especially if they become infected, impacted, cause cysts, or crowd other teeth. If they become impacted (that is, stuck in the gums and unable to erupt properly), they can irritate the gum, resulting in pain and swelling. If all 4 need extraction, we aim to remove them all at once.
Preparation for Tooth Extraction
Dr. Wallace and Dr. McKnight will first take an x-ray of the affected area to determine how best to extract the tooth. If we’re removing wisdom teeth, we may use a panoramic x-ray to take a picture of all your teeth at once. Please provide us with your full medical and dental history along with a list of all the medicines you take. This list must include prescription and over-the-counter medications, along with supplements and vitamins.
Surgery and Recovery
We may prescribe antibiotics to you if you have specific medical conditions, if you have an infection or your immune system is weakened, or if the surgery is lengthy.
Dr. Wallace and Dr. McKnight may also administer anesthesia through an IV, which could range from conscious sedation to general anesthesia. If you are scheduled for sedation, he will give instructions for you to follow carefully. Please wear clothes with sleeves that you can easily roll up, which will allow us to place the IV line in a vein more easily. Refrain from eating or drinking for 6 to 8 hours prior to the surgery.
Let us know if you have a cold, cough, congestion, nausea, or vomiting within a week before the surgery. If so, we may need to withhold anesthesia or reschedule the extraction until you are well.
We ask that you refrain from smoking on the day of the extraction, as this can raise the risk of a painful complication known as a dry socket.
Once the surgery is over, we will give you some instructions for the recovery period. Follow them carefully. You will also need to make prearrangements with someone who can drive you home.
If you’re concerned about your wisdom teeth, call us at today at 214-363-9946.
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