Tooth Extraction in Arlington

The typical reason for extracting teeth is that they are not where they’re supposed to be. There is often insufficient room in the mouth for the teeth to come all the way through, resulting in a tooth that may be half in and half out of the gums.

NEW PATIENTS

It’s quite common for patients to have wisdom teeth removed, and Joseph Reed, DMD, MAGD, has three decades of experience providing this service in a painless, anxiety-free manner.

If you need teeth removed, we’re here to help and make the process as stress-free and painless as possible. We look forward to helping you restore your smile!

Different Reasons for a Tooth Removal

There are several reasons for an extraction at Arlington Dental:

Surgical extraction—a procedure designed to remove a tooth while preserving as much of the surrounding bone as possible. By separating the tooth’s root from the surrounding bone, we ensure we don’t lose any socket while removing the tooth, making it easier to place an implant later if needed.

Wisdom teeth removal—one of the most common extractions we perform. Impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth are carefully extracted to prevent damage to the jaw and nearby teeth, ensuring optimal healing for any future dental interventions.

All-on-Four implant technique—this advanced form of dental restoration involves placing four dental implants in the jaw and then connecting them with a dental bridge. This configuration leverages the natural support of the jawbone, providing exceptional stability and allowing for immediate loading of the dental prosthesis.

Extraction for non-fixable teeth— may be necessary if a tooth is severely damaged and cannot be repaired. In these cases, we prioritize preserving as much bone as possible to facilitate future implant placement if desired.

Getting Ready for Your Procedure

To ensure a smooth procedure and recovery, patients are asked to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by our team, which may include fasting from food and drink before the appointment, taking any prescribed antibiotics or medications as directed, arranging for someone to drive them home, especially if sedation will be used, and stocking up on soft foods for the recovery period.

You should also plan to rest for the remainder of the day following your extraction.

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

You’ll be numb throughout the process, and if you wish to be sedated, we offer both oral and IV sedation options. Dr. Reed is certified to provide these sedation methods, ensuring your comfort throughout the procedure.

Using the appropriate tools, Dr. Reed will remove the tooth. A special collagen sponge containing antibiotics and a clotting agent will be placed in the socket and then stitched closed. This ensures that the likelihood of infection is incredibly small—in 30 years, Dr. Reed has never had a wisdom tooth extraction become infected.

After the procedure, you’ll keep the gauze on the socket for four hours, then remove it. It’s important to eat and stay hydrated while your body heals.

Managing Your Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery time varies but typically takes a few days to a couple of weeks. Most patients find that within five to six days, there’s very little tenderness, and the extraction site is hardly noticeable. However, due to the more extensive nature of the procedure, recovery may take longer for wisdom teeth extractions.

Following post-operative care instructions is crucial to promote faster healing and minimize complications. The most common complication is a dry socket, which occurs when the blood clot in the extraction site is dislodged.

To prevent this:

• Avoid sucking on the wound or excessive spitting
• Don’t use straws for the first few days
• Avoid smoking and alcohol
• Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing near the extraction site

Tooth Extractions in Arlington TX | (817) 303-5700