What Is Tooth Extraction?
At Sexton & Weiskopf Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, tooth extractions are sometimes necessary to preserve your overall oral health when all other options have been exhausted. Whether due to severe decay, infection, overcrowding, trauma, or something else, when a tooth cannot be saved, Drs. Sexton, Weiskopf, and Russ provide exceptional care to ensure your comfort throughout the extraction process. While the thought of a tooth extraction may be concerning, our advanced techniques and sedation options make the experience as comfortable as possible. Understanding the reasons behind tooth extractions can help you feel more confident and prepared for the procedure. To learn if you have a tooth beyond repair, contact our Memphis, TN practice for an exam.
How Are Tooth Extractions Performed?
Dental extractions are performed in our office with a form of sedation, depending on the degree of the treatment and any dental fears and anxieties you may have. As soon as you're ready, one of our doctors will start the procedure. To complete a simple extraction, the tooth will be loosened using a special device known as an elevator before removing the tooth. A surgical extraction involves making incisions in your gums to reach the tooth. If needed, the tooth might be broken up into smaller pieces so that it can be taken out. Once the tooth is removed, we will suture the incision in your gums. We may prescribe antibiotics to be taken before and after the procedure — in case you've got a current infection, if your immune system is weak, if the procedure is prolonged, or if you have other specific health problems.
What Are the Benefits of Tooth Extractions?
While some of our Germantown, Arlington, and Memphis, TN patients might want to put off or avoid their tooth extractions, getting these procedures performed as soon as possible following detection can provide the following oral wellness advantages:
- Relatively quick procedure that can be performed in-office
- Averts impairment and infection of healthy surrounding teeth
- Performed using a topical anesthetic to dull the area and keep you as comfortable as possible
- Prep for implant choices to replace the aesthetic and function of the missing tooth
- Could work to stop the spread of infection
Tooth Extractions Reviews
They were great! No wait time for appointment and we were in and out within an hour for 2 extractions! So far she seems to have minimal pain on the second day!
Very pleased with Dr. Weiskopf and staff! Procedure for wisdom teeth removal was fast and painless. I appreciated that we were able to collect our daughter and speak with the doctor at the car immediately following procedure. Dr. Weiskopf followed up with a phone call in the evening to check on her. Love from start to finish!
Excellent experience at Sexton and Weiskopf! I was referred to their office for complete wisdom tooth extraction and Dr. Scott Weiskopf and the staff were wonderful every step of the way. My operation was very quick and smooth!
I had my wisdom teeth removed with Dr. Weiskopf and he was fantastic! I had no complications with my surgery-it was clean and done well. Both him and the nurses answered all of my and my mom’s questions with detail and patience. They made sure that we knew all the post-op instructions and took care to provide us with all the information we needed, specifically Savannah. You can tell that each person in the office genuinely cares for the welfare of their patients and enjoys their job. Thank you!
Dr. Weiskopf is extremely nice and talented! I went here for my wisdom teeth extraction and it was such a breeze with minimal discomfort after. The entire office is friendly, professional, and helpful. Couldn’t recommend this practice any more!
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Who Is an Ideal Candidate for a Tooth Extraction?
When a tooth is damaged or decayed, Dr. Sexton will do everything possible to repair it using fillings, bonding, or crowns. However, some teeth are too severely compromised and must be extracted to protect your overall oral health. Extractions are sometimes necessary for other reasons, such as to prevent crowding or make room for orthodontic treatments. Here’s when an extraction might be the best choice for you:
- Severely damaged or decayed teeth that cannot be restored with other treatments
- Wisdom teeth that develop around ages 17–21 and often require removal to avoid overcrowding or pain
- Baby teeth that have not fallen out on their own, which can block the eruption of permanent teeth
- Preparation for orthodontics like braces or Invisalign, where removing one or more teeth can help create the space needed for proper alignment
Frequently Asked Questions
What foods and drinks are safe after a tooth extraction?
Sticking to a diet of soft foods and liquids is essential for a comfortable recovery after a tooth extraction. This should be followed for a few days or until the initial discomfort subsides. It’s important to avoid using straws, as the sucking motion can dislodge stitches or cause bleeding.
Will a tooth extraction be painful?
If you need a tooth extraction, rest assured that we prioritize your comfort. We offer sedation options and take great care to perform the procedure with minimal discomfort, ensuring a smooth experience for you.
How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
Depending on your case, recovery from a tooth extraction typically takes about two weeks to a month. We will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing. If you have any concerns during your recovery, our team is always available to assist.
Tooth Extractions When Necessary
When you have a tooth that is damaged beyond repair or if your mouth doesn't have space for a tooth, a dental extraction at Sexton & Weiskopf Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery may be performed to help improve your smile and oral health. Make an appointment with Drs. Sexton, Weiskopf, or Russ at our practice in Memphis, TN to learn more about simple and surgical tooth extractions.