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Tooth Extractions – Waco, TX

Getting Rid of the Pain for Good

A woman holding her cheek in pain

Dr. Lassetter and Dr. Rivacoba want to help you keep your natural teeth for as long as possible, but when severe decay or damage occurs and other options are not feasible, the only solution is to remove the injured tooth. At Heart of Texas Smiles, we perform tooth extractions in Waco to help relieve pain and discomfort, as well as improve your oral health. Our team of dentists will make sure you are comfortable and at ease prior to the start of your procedure. Allow us to help save your oral health from further problems by calling our office to schedule an appointment today.

Do I Need a Tooth Extraction?

A woman holding her cheek in pain at the dentist office

You can expect that only in the most serious of circumstances will a tooth extraction be suggested. The reason is that natural teeth are much better for your smile than artificial ones. However, if this type of procedure is necessary, it likely because of one of the following reasons:

  • Overcrowding: If you are in need of braces, tooth extraction can be helpful in the process of improving your smile. Depending on the severity of your case, we can remove a tooth or several teeth prior to you starting orthodontic work.
  • Dental Infection: When an infection reaches the inner layers of your tooth, a root canal is the most commonly suggested method of treatment; however, if the damage or decay is too severe, it may be necessary to extract the tooth.
  • Gum Disease: If advanced periodontitis is the culprit, you will begin to notice your jawbone weakening and teeth becoming loose. This will result in a tooth extraction.

Other reasons for a tooth extraction include a cavity being too large for a filling or dental crown, or the tooth enamel is so severely damaged, it can’t be put back together.

How Does the Process Work?

A dentist performing dental work on a patient

Prior to the extraction, Dr. Lassetter or Dr. Rivacoba will administer local anesthesia or sedation to ensure you are comfortable and feeling no pain throughout the procedure. Depending on the type of removal, whether it is simple or surgical, you can expect our team to give you the highest level of quality care.

For a simple extraction, the dentist in Waco will use a special tool to gently move the tooth back and forth until it detaches. For a surgical extraction, it will require them to make an incision in the gums and possibly remove some the bone around the tooth prior to extracting it in pieces.

Post-Operative Care

A young woman smiling

Once a tooth is extracted, you will need to make sure you spend some time recovering at home. In order for your mouth to heal properly, there are steps you’ll need to take, including:

  • Immediately after surgery, you’ll bite down on gauze to encourage clotting and reduce bleeding.
  • Taking antibiotics and prescribed pain medication to alleviate discomfort.
  • Resting to allow your body and your mouth to properly heal.
  • Eating soft foods.
  • Not chewing on the side of the extraction site.
  • Continuing to brush and floss but avoiding the surgical site until it has healed.
  • Using a cold compress to reduce swelling.