Tooth Extractions – Corpus Christi, TX

Removing The Source of Your Discomfort

No one wants to hear that they need a tooth extraction in Corpus Christi. However, this last resort treatment will remove the source of your discomfort from your smile. Often, patients experience severe toothaches when gum disease, cavities, or infection is harming their pearly white. If we can’t treat the condition or salvage the tooth, the best way to restore your oral health and comfort is to extract the problem. In a matter of minutes, our team can help you get back to life as usual!

Why Choose South Texas Periodontics & Implants For Tooth Extractions? 

  • We Provide IV Sedation For Anxious Patients
  • Board-Certified Periodontist With 10+ Years Of Experience
  • We Accept Dental Insurance

Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary

A plastic model with red dental roots visible

Modern dental technology has come a long way, but natural teeth are still better than any inorganic replacement. So why might we recommend removing one from your smile? We’ll always salvage a pearly white when possible, however, there are extreme situations when leaving it alone can actually do more harm than good to your oral health.

If a deep infection makes your tooth unviable, for example, then extracting it could very well be the only way to stop the infection from spreading to your other teeth. And if you have wisdom teeth that aren’t growing in properly, they can damage your jawbone or dental nerves, or shove your existing teeth out of alignment.

The Process of Removing a Tooth

Forceps carefully holding an extracted tooth

The process for removing a tooth is slightly different for a simple extraction than it is a surgical extraction. Here’s what you can expect for each type:

Simple extractions are, well, simple! Dr. Garcia or Dr. Wu will numb your mouth and provide IV sedation if requested, then gently rock your tooth back and forth until it comes loose.

Surgical extractions are more common for patients with impacted wisdom teeth. Since the teeth are partially or fully trapped below the gumline, Dr. Garcia or Dr. Wu will have to make a small incision in order to reach it. Then they’ll cut the tooth into smaller pieces for safe removal.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

Woman sleeping peacefully on her couch

After your tooth extraction in Corpus Christi, it’s important not to dislodge the protective blood clot that will form over your now-empty socket. You’ll have to take it easy during recovery, which means:

  • No smoking, drinking through straws, spitting, or brushing the socket for 24 hours or so after your treatment.
  • Sleeping with your head elevated.
  • Sticking to a soft food diet.
  • Not chewing with the empty socket.
  • Getting plenty of rest!

It’s also a good idea to keep your medicine cabinet well-stocked with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. You’ll likely be a bit sore, and these medications can help you manage discomfort.