Tooth Extractions
Our Team Performs Tooth Extractions in Lafayette and Opelousas Area
Patients generally don’t look forward to dental work, especially if that work includes an extraction. Though one of the most common tooth extractions is the removal of a patient’s wisdom teeth, there are also many other reasons why teeth may need to be removed. At the Oral & Facial Surgery Center, we have many years of experience performing tooth extractions. Our staff wants to make sure this process is as easy as possible for you, which is why we take great care to ensure your comfort by using anesthesia as necessary. The sooner you get the affected tooth removed; the sooner you’ll feel better. Please contact us right away to discuss your options for tooth extractions.
Why Do I Need to Have My Tooth Removed?
Having a tooth removed may seem unnecessary. Wouldn’t you want to hang on to as many teeth as possible? The answer is yes. However, sometimes, teeth must be removed because there is no other option. Our dentists only resort to extracting teeth if it’s an absolute necessity. Usually, teeth are removed to preserve oral health and to prevent further damage to other healthy teeth and gum tissue.
Our dentists may recommend tooth removal for the following reasons:
- Excessive tooth decay
- Tooth infection
- Crowding of teeth
- Make room for shifting teeth during orthodontic treatment
Extraction and Post-Op Care
The extraction of a tooth is a relatively simple procedure, though it will vary in complexity depending on whether the tooth is through the gum line or impacted. For most extractions, we only use local anesthesia. However, we may combine this with intravenous sedation for more complicated procedures. Either way, we’ll ensure your comfort during the process of removing your tooth. Our oral surgeons will successfully remove your tooth and suture the surrounding tissue as needed. The recovery time for this procedure is rather quick, and you can usually return to normal activities after a few days.
However, in the days immediately following the procedure, there will be some things you need to avoid, including using a straw, smoking, and consuming hard or crunchy foods. You will also be required to take prescribed medications as directed by your doctor.
Has a dentist recommended that one of your teeth be extracted? Are you experiencing pain or swelling around one of your teeth? You need the help of a reliable team like the one at Oral & Facial Surgery Center. We can assess the problem with your tooth and provide extractions as necessary. Please contact us today to make an appointment.