912-354-9541
Even though we believe that the best place for your teeth is in your smile, there may be times when a tooth needs to be extracted. We may do everything we can to save that tooth, but it could be beyond aid as a result of an oral trauma or dental decay. In order to protect your dental health, the tooth may have to go.
Before anything is fully decided, our dentist, Dr. Michael J. Groover, may go over your dental and medical history with you, and he can have pertinent x-rays taken. These x-rays can provide our dentist with a better idea of what could be occurring underneath your gumline, and then he may be able to recommend what needs to be done.
To numb the area our dentist can use a local anesthetic and the tooth can be gently loosened and removed. We can provide you with detailed instructions on caring for yourself after an extraction at your appointment, but we can provide a brief overview now. It may be critical for you not to smoke, clean the teeth near the extraction site or to vigorously rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours. You can, however, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water as long as you remember to be gentle.
If you are wondering what can be consumed after an extraction, you should eat and drink cool and soft things. However, you should not use a straw for the first while because doing so may greatly elevate your risk of developing a dry socket, which can be rather uncomfortable. Eating ice cream and smoothies could be recommended because its cold properties can help reduce any swelling and soothe any discomfort you may have.
If you are in the Savannah, Georgia, area and want more information about tooth extractions, you can call Groover Family Dentistry at 912-354-9541 today. We want to help your dental health reach its highest peak!