Extractions Specialist
Mississippi Periodontics and Implants
Curtis Caskey, DMD
Periodontist located in Ridgeland, MS
Have you been experiencing throbbing pain in one of your teeth? You might need to have it extracted before it causes irreversible damage. Curtis Caskey, DMD, at Mississippi Periodontics and Implants in Ridgeland, Mississippi, works hard to make tooth extractions pain-free and comfortable to eliminate pain seamlessly and expediently. Find out whether you need a tooth extraction by booking an appointment with Dr. Caskey today online or over the phone.
Extractions Q & A
What is tooth extraction?
A tooth extraction refers to when your dentist pulls one of your teeth. Tooth extractions are often the last resort. Dr. Caskey prioritizes keeping your natural teeth intact over removing them.
When should I get a tooth extracted?
There are multiple reasons why Dr. Caskey might recommend a tooth extraction. Some of the most common ones include, but are not limited to:
- Irremediable tooth decay
- Severe tooth infection
- Irreparable cracked tooth
In some cases, Dr. Caskey might suggest a tooth extraction to prepare your mouth for orthodontic work. Children might also need tooth extractions if their baby teeth aren’t falling out correctly or if they're impacting permanent teeth.
Another common reason for tooth extractions is an impacted wisdom tooth, which grows in crooked and starts to push up against neighboring teeth to make room.
How are tooth extractions done?
At Mississippi Periodontics and Implants, Dr. Caskey uses two techniques to extract teeth: a simple extraction or a surgical extraction. Depending on your situation, he’ll decide which type of extraction is better suited for you.
A simple extraction requires local anesthesia to numb the area. Once the area is numb, Dr. Caskey pulls the tooth out of its socket.
A surgical extraction requires more extensive work. Dr. Caskey can give you both intravenous anesthesia to help you relax and a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. He then makes an incision in the gum and removes bone and tissue as needed. From there, he can remove the tooth from its socket.
What should I expect after a tooth extraction?
The goal of tooth extractions at Mississippi Periodontics and Implants is to ensure your utmost comfort and a pain-free experience.
Nonetheless, because an extraction involves some trauma to the treatment area, you might experience slight swelling and tenderness in the days following the procedure.
Dr. Caskey recommends the following to ensure proper healing:
- Pain relievers as needed
- Ice to help with swelling
- Soft foods
- Avoiding the extraction site while brushing and flossing
- Avoiding drinking from straws
Extractions typically heal within one to two weeks. Dr. Caskey will explain all the things you need to do to make sure your healing period doesn’t exceed two weeks.
If you think you might need a tooth extraction or want to get a damaged tooth looked at, get in touch with Dr. Caskey today by phone or online.