Tooth Extractions in Jonesboro, AR
Even though our goal is to keep all our patients’ teeth healthy and functional for a lifetime, there are times when the best available option is to remove a tooth. If a tooth is cracked down the middle, has a cavity so big that it cannot be repaired, or has gum disease severe enough it cannot be saved with periodontal therapy, taking the tooth out may be the best solution. A healthy tooth in function with other teeth should never be removed unless all other options have been discussed.
What should I expect?
Tooth removal, or extraction, should not be painful. As with other procedures we provide, tooth removal is performed by numbing the tooth and surrounding area with the best anesthetics available. We only remove the tooth when we are confident there will be no pain.
Tooth removal, in most cases, is a very routine dental procedure. Normal cases are quick and predictable. Both our doctors are extremely experienced in extraction and will discuss and answer any questions you have about the procedure. After the procedure, you will be given a written list of post-procedure instructions to follow for optimal healing and minimal discomfort.
In some cases, our doctors may refer you to an oral surgeon for tooth extraction. This is necessary if the case is particularly challenging or has details that increase the risk involved with the procedure. Also anyone who wishes to be “knocked out” for the procedure can be referred to an oral surgeon for general anesthesia.
Can you take out my wisdom teeth?
Extractions of impacted wisdom teeth are traditionally referred to one of the wonderful oral surgeons with whom we have partnered. There are many advantages to having an oral surgeon perform this more complex procedure, including the ability to be “knocked out” by having the procedure while under general anesthesia. An oral surgeon can also remove all four wisdom teeth at one time, rather than requiring multiple visits for each side.
Patients who have completely erupted wisdom teeth and no major complications in their history can choose to have their wisdom teeth removed here in our office with normal local anesthetic. In these cases, the wisdom teeth usually come out predictably and with little trauma.
Bone grafting after extraction:
If you wish to replace the tooth being removed with an implant, bone grafting at the time of removal may be necessary. By placing bone graft material in the space where the tooth root was, we are able to keep the bone in that area thick and strong to support an implant. Without bone grafting, the area where the tooth was may heal irregularly and not be suitable for an implant. Call our Jonesboro AR dentist office today to learn more about tooth extractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Diagnostic x-rays during regular checkups provide us with information we cannot see during our visual examination of your mouth. Without this information, small problems are 
often missed until they become larger and cause pain or problems. At this point, the treatment is usually more invasive and expensive.
X-Rays taken at your dental appointment
The most common type of dental x-ray is the bitewing x-ray. This is taken once a year to check between back teeth, where flossing cavities start. With bitewings, we can detect a flossing cavity 12 to 24 months before it becomes visible on a clinical exam. This is sometimes the difference in repairing the problem with a small filling instead of a root canal or crown.
A panoramic x-ray is taken in adolescents and teenagers. This is the type of x-ray that spins around the head when taken. We take this x-ray to confirm that all the permanent teeth are present, forming properly, and in good position to erupt naturally. It is also taken later to evaluate the position of wisdom teeth and decide if removal is indicated or not.
What is a full mouth series of x-rays?
A full-mouth series of x-rays is recommended in adults every three to five years depending on certain factors. This series of x-rays is to evaluate the contacts of the front teeth that aren’t regularly x-rayed, as well as to evaluate the root structure, bone level, and other anatomy not seen on routine bitewings. Many problems can be detected early with a full-mouth series of x-rays. Left unnoticed, these problems would cause serious damage to teeth and jaws.
If you are in need of a dental appointment be sure to call our Jonesboro AR office today at (870) 932-3151 or book online.
We thank Hollywood and all dentists over the age of 80 for this question. There is no more major misconception in dental care than the idea that dental care has to hurt.
Dental care doesn’t have to hurt.
With advances in anesthetic technique, there is no procedure in our service list that we can’t make comfortable. This also includes the especially dreaded root canals and extractions.
Our doctors will make sure that you are adequately numb and comfortable during any procedure. If you visited a dentist recently and experienced severe pain that you were told was “just part of it,” I’m sorry and that’s unfortunate and unnecessary. The only exception is dental infection. If a tooth is severely infected, there is no way to numb it. This will require antibiotic treatment and/or drainage before treatment.
To make your care pain-free, an injection of anesthetic is necessary. That means using a needle. If you have severe anxiety about needles or the procedure in general, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help you relax. Once we confirm the tooth or gum tissue that needs the treatment is properly numb, the rest of the procedure should be pain-free.
We will provide the utmost gentle dental care for all
The only way we know if you are in pain is if you tell us. Any time you feel something you don’t believe you should, be sure and let the doctor or hygienist know. They can make you more comfortable. You are safe with us. So schedule your appointment with Dental Solutions today! You can book online or call our Jonesboro office today at (870) 932-3151.
Meet Our Doctors:
Dr. Lauren Harmon-Grantham DDS
Lauren Harmon-Grantham, DDS, is a family-friendly dentist dedicated to helping her patients achieve optimal dental health. She believes communication regarding treatment options, financial options, as well as alternatives for anxiety relief, are some of the ...
Dr. Brett Burris DDS
Dr. Brett Burris strives to help his patients achieve the highest possible standards of oral health by providing comprehensive dental care in a relaxed, family-friendly environment. Dr. Burris hopes to make your trip to the ...
Featured Blog Posts - Tooth Extractions
The Importance of Dental Extractions in Maintaining Oral Health
Dental extractions are vital to good dental health. By extracting a tooth that is decayed or infected beyond repair, a dentist relieves a patient's pain in the short term while eliminating the long-term risk of damage spreading to surrounding areas.
What Is a Dental Extraction?
Dental extractions are usually performed by a dental surgeon in a dentist's office. A local anesthetic is applied to the area surrounding the tooth to be extracted via a topical numbing agent or injection. The dentist will then gently extract the tooth.
Patients are advised to take certain ...