19
Mar
I Have a Broken Tooth—Can it Be Extracted?
So, you have a badly damaged tooth, and simple actions like eating or talking are always a source of pain. You are wondering how the dentist can help. When you have dental problems, A Brush Above Family Dentistry’s first choice is to save your tooth with fillings or crowns. However, a dental extraction may be needed if you have an irreparably broken or damaged tooth. Tooth extraction may sound scary, but rest assured, it will be painless and stress-free.
What are the extraction options for my broken tooth?
Extraction will be necessary to prevent further health complications when we can’t save your damaged tooth with endodontics or a crown. Here are the options available for tooth extraction.
- Simple extraction: If the tooth is visible and accessible in the mouth, the dentist will pull it out with a simple extraction. For this procedure, the dentist will rock the tooth in a back-and-forth motion and pull it out in one piece with forceps. It’s that simple!
- Surgical extraction: If the tooth is broken at the gum line, simple extraction won’t cut it. As the name suggests, surgical extraction involves incising the gums to have better access to the tooth. It’s the same procedure we administer to ingrown (impacted) teeth. Depending on the location of your tooth, the dentist may pull out the tooth in one piece or sever it into several pieces before removal.
Tooth extraction is a form of oral surgery that can sound scary. However, we promise that the procedure will be seamless and painless. Before treatment, we numb your gums with powerful anesthetics so you won’t feel pain but mild pressure as the doctor pulls out the tooth.
What can I expect after extraction?
With our expert aftercare, you can expect to return to your full health quickly. Here are aftercare tips to aid with faster recovery.
- Managing bleeding: Immediately after treatment, we’ll help you control bleeding by placing a gauze pad on the extraction site. Bite on the gauze and change it as soon as it gets soaked. Keep the gauze in place for about 3-4 hours or until the bleeding subsides.
- Pain management: It’s also normal to experience pain, especially after the anesthesia wears off. Take prescribed pain relievers to alleviate discomfort. Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 10 minutes (on and off) to manage swelling. Take adequate rest and avoid intense physical activities for a few days. Also, sleep with your head elevated to keep the swelling down.
- Oral hygiene: Avoid rinsing, spitting, or using a straw for the first 24 hours. This can dislodge the blood clot and cause a painful condition called a dry socket. Rinse your mouth gently with warm, salty water after 24 hours. Brush and floss your teeth, but be careful not to irritate the extraction site.
- Diet: Stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes, broth, applesauce, and yogurt for the first few days. Avoid hot, spicy, and chew foods until you heal.
- Avoid harmful substances: Avoid smoking and alcohol, as these can slow healing and increase the risk of complications.
Call our office for more information
New Patients: (773) 840-0378 | Existing Patients: (773) 276-0300
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Ready to have your broken tooth addressed?
Are you enduring discomfort from a severely damaged tooth? At A Brush Above Family Dentistry, your comfort and oral health are our top priorities. If we can’t save your tooth, a professional extraction by our experienced oral surgeon, Dr. Irbad Chowdhury, could be the best solution. Call us at (773) 840-0378 to schedule your appointment today!
Dr. Marcella Guzman
Dr. Marcella Guzman is an admired dental professional renowned for her unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care, with a rich background in biology and sociology. Since graduating from The University of Illinois Dental School in 1994, she has enhanced her skills through extensive continuing education, specializing in cutting-edge technologies such as Cerec 3-D, sleep apnea, Invisalign, and laser dentistry. Her dedication to staying up-to-date on the latest advancements ensures that her patients receive top-notch care. A distinguished member of The American Dental Association and Chicago Dental Society, Dr. Guzman's wealth of experience, coupled with her compassionate approach, establishes her as a trusted specialist in the field of dentistry.