Extractions
Good oral hygiene should always be practiced since the loss of a single tooth can have major impact upon your oral health and appearance. Although we will use every measure to prevent tooth loss, there are sometimes occasions when a tooth may need to be extracted.
A tooth may need to be extracted if the following occurs:
• Severe decay
• Advanced periodontal disease
• Infection or abscess
• Orthodontic correction
After careful examination and treatment, our doctors may advise to have a tooth extracted. Before a tooth is removed, we will take an x-ray in order to understand the shape and position of the tooth and surrounding bone.
For a simple extraction, we will first apply a local anesthetic to prevent pain and discomfort. The tooth will be loosened with a tool called an elevator and then removed with dental forceps. Once the procedure is complete, the area may be closed with one or two stitches.
It is critical to keep the extraction area clean to prevent infection. We will provide you with dry, sterile gauze to bite down on for 30-45 minutes to limit bleeding while clotting takes place. For the next 24 hours, you shouldn't smoke, rinse your mouth vigorously, or brush teeth directly next to the extraction site.
In case you missed it during a recent visit, Palmetto Smiles would like you to join us in wishing a Happy Retirement to Dr Heather Hopkins who is retiring from clinical orthodontic practice May 31st. We thank her for the many years of orthodontic service for our patients. At the same time, we hope you've met Dr Mike Jauch during his time here in the last 6 months but if not he looks forward to meeting you in the continued orthodontic care of our patients. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact the office. If your child is in active orthodontic care, we encourage you to come in with them on their next appointment so that Dr Mike can meet and update you on their care.
Menu
Welcome
Our Doctors
Our Office
First Visit
Kids Smiles
Dentistry For All
Straight Smiles
Patient Reviews
Request An Appointment
Our Blog