Tooth Extractions in Tupelo, MS

Even though our skilled general dentists, Dr. Richard Caron and Dr. John Kenney, make every attempt to conserve and preserve your natural teeth, there are cases in which a tooth or teeth may have to be extracted. A simple extraction takes out a tooth that is visible above the gumline. This is generally performed for a tooth that is damaged or decayed and cannot be repaired. A surgical extraction removes a tooth that has not erupted above the gums or that may be more difficult to extract. Surgical extractions are commonly performed to remove the wisdom teeth and impacted teeth that do not have enough room to fit into your mouth. No matter the reason for undergoing an extraction, our compassionate team at Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry will provide you with the best possible care. We also offer sedation dentistry methods to help you remain comfortable and calm throughout your treatment. If you believe you may need to have a tooth extracted, contact our Tupelo, MS family practice today to schedule an examination with doctors Caron or Kenney and learn about your treatment options.

While many of our Tupelo, MS individuals may wish to postpone or avoid their tooth extractions, getting these treatments done at Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry as soon as possible after diagnosing can promote the following oral health benefits:

• Prevents damage and decay of healthy adjacent teeth
• Offers numbing and local anesthetic to keep you as comfortable as possible
• Relatively quick procedure that happens in our office
• Multiple implant options to replace beauty and function from extracted tooth

If your tooth is broken or has been damaged from decay, our dentists will make every effort to repair it using a crown, filling, or other restorative technique. However, the tooth may be too damaged or have an infection, in which case it will need to be removed to protect the health of your smile. You may also require a dental extraction to remove a tooth or teeth that are unable to erupt properly in your mouth. This may include your third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, which develop around the ages of 17 – 21. In older kids, baby teeth that have not fallen out naturally might need to be pulled so that they do not block the permanent teeth. If you or your family members are preparing for orthodontics or contemplating Invisalign, then you may require a simple extraction of premolar (bicuspid) teeth to make space for the remaining teeth as they move into their ideal positioning within the jaw. During your treatment consultation, Doctors Caron and Kenney can also discuss options for replacing an extracted tooth if necessary for oral function and appearance.

Dental extractions are performed in our office with local anesthesia administered to the area around the tooth being removed. Other forms of sedation might be used during the procedure, depending on the degree of the extraction and to help keep you relaxed if you have any dental fears or anxieties. As soon as you are prepared, doctors Caron or Kenney will start the procedure. In a simple extraction, our experienced dentists will loosen the tooth from its socket with a special device known as an elevator and then gently remove the tooth from the jaw. A surgical extraction entails making incisions into your gums to reach the tooth. If needed, the tooth may be sectioned into smaller pieces so that it can be more easily removed. Once the tooth has been extracted, doctors Caron or Kenney will close the incision in your gums and rinse the area. We may write a prescription for antibiotics if an infection is present, which should be taken as recommended and to completion to protect both your oral health and general wellness.

Based on the sedation used during your extraction, you may be required to have an adult take you home. While your mouth heals, you should avoid smoking, spitting, and using straws. Your recovery will vary based on the complexity of your dental extraction, but most patients prefer to eat soft, cool food for the first few days following the procedure. Doctors Caron and Kenney will speak with you about what is normal as you recover and how to care for your mouth. Your gums will probably be swollen and tender after the extraction. To keep you comfortable as you heal, we may recommend cold compresses applied to the face and jaw and over-the-counter pain medication. In some cases, doctors Caron or Kenney may write you a prescription for pain medication. Along with any recommended follow-up visits, you should continue to schedule appointments at Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry for dental cleanings and exams so that our team can continue to monitor your health after an extraction. Doctors Caron and Kenney will also let you know when you can move forward with tooth replacement if this service is part of your restorative treatment plan. 

When is a tooth extraction necessary?
Tooth extractions may be recommended for children, teens, and adults to address a number of dental issues, including:

• Teeth that are decayed, broken, or damaged beyond restoration
• Retained baby teeth that will not erupt on their own
• Significantly infected or abscessed teeth
• Advanced bone loss due to periodontal disease
• Partial or complete tooth impaction, including wisdom teeth
• Overcrowding of teeth
• To prepare for orthodontics
• To prepare for dental implant placement

What can I eat or drink after a tooth extraction?
Following your tooth extraction at our Tupelo, MS office, we recommend that you stick to a liquid-based diet or eat soft foods. We suggest you follow this diet until your initial soreness has gone away. Foods in this category may include yogurt, pudding, mashed potatoes, and more. You should also drink plenty of water and avoid hot drinks and alcohol after your procedure.

Will my insurance cover tooth extractions?
Common tooth extractions and wisdom tooth removal procedures may be covered in part under some insurance plans. During your consultation, our office can review your insurance benefits and inform you of any estimated out-of-pocket expenses and coverages for your extractions. We can also discuss the convenient payment options accepted at Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry.

Whether you have a damaged tooth or lack the space for proper eruption, a tooth extraction at Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry can help improve your oral health and smile. Make an appointment with doctors Caron or Kenney to find out more about surgical and simple tooth extractions and tooth replacement options from our patient-centered Tupelo, MS dental practice. If you are nervous or anxious about receiving dental care, be sure to ask about sedation options that can help you stay relaxed and calm during your extraction procedure.