Teeth Extractions for Tooth Pain in Nashville and Dickson
Do I need a Tooth Extraction?
You and Dr. Haley and Dr. Culbreath may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.
The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.
To avoid these complications, in most cases, Drs. Haley and Culbreath will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth.
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The Extraction Process
At the time of extraction the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jaw bone and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic.
During the extraction process you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.
You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected.
If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away.
Sectioning a tooth
Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. The doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections then removes each section one at a time.
After Tooth Extraction
After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. Bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes immediately after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times to staunch the flow of blood.
After the blood clot forms it is important to not disturb or dislodge the clot. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities may dislodge or dissolve the clot and hinder the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours, as this increases blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.
After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
Use pain medication as directed. Call our office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious, soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.
It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
After a few days you should feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately.
Nashville Office
Nashville Office Phone Number 615-829-7000 Dickson Office
Dickson Office Phone Number 615-446-9669 Email Us
Tennessee Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Oral Surgery and Implant Dentistry
Spencer A. Haley DDS and Jeffrey L. Culbreath DDS
Patient Review By Gail P
As good as can be it was great.
- Gail P
Patient Review By Gudrun W
I have had a lot of dental procedures but Dr Culbreath and his staff are the best I have ever had. From the in office procedure to the follow up phone call the same evening I can only give them anA ++.
- Gudrun W
Patient Review By Chris
The staff and Doctor were friendly and professional. I had to have a molar extracted, I did not experience any pain at all during or after the procedure. I only took one half a pain pill. The Doctor is a real pro at extractions that is for sure. I had to have wisdom teeth taken out at one time and it was somewhat brutal. Lots of pain and bled for 4 days. Had the procedure done around 11am and by 5 pm the bleeding had ceased and by the next morning it was all healed. I hope I don't have to go back anytime soon but if I needed dental work like that done I know where I am going.
- Chris
Patient Review By Patricia W
Dr. Hailey is awesome! He is has a great personality, and is caring, courteous, and compassionate. He is one of the best Physician' I have ever seen. I highly recommend him. Staff is awesome. as well
- Patricia W
Patient Review By Chuck M
I went to Dr. Culbreath upon recommendation of friends for 3 dental extractions and bone grafting. The surgical procedure was successful and executed with precision. The doctor and his staff were all very courteous and took their time to thoroughly answer all my questions. During the surgery, I was regularly consulted to ensure I remained comfortable and kept informed about how everything was progressing. If you are in need of the services of an oral surgeon, you will be very pleased with Dr. Culbreath and his team. Chuck M.
- Chuck M
Patient Review By Shonnett C
They are the best! Absolutely love the experience and I am afraid of dentist!
- Shonnett C
Patient Review By Kimberly J
Very friendly atmosphere and friendly well organized staff.
- Kimberly J
Patient Review By Tristan W
This morning I had 4 teeth pulled and 1 cut out (5 teeth in total). He wrote me a script for extra strength Ibuprofen (which I thought would not be enough for the pain) I was completely wrong. I requested "local" numbing. It has nearly 12 hours since the surgery. I havent taken and Ibuprofen in over 10 hours. I feel very little pain or discomfort to the point I dont think I need the ibuprofen. The local numbing subsided approximately 3 hours after surgery. He was very professional, and genuinely cared about patient comfort during the extraction process. It was not cheap but it was well worth it. 10/10 would recommend. Far better than all other oral surgeons I have visited in the past. Ps. Thank you for your military service Dr. Culbreath
- Tristan W
Patient Review By Daniel S
Had 2 teeth extracted and I had requested to be put to sleep due to some anxiety and Dr.Haley suggested I just do some gas he assured me there would be no pain and save me some money if I wanted to try it so I did and I didn't feel anything so It's not all about the money here Dr.Haley and his staff care about your well being
- Daniel S
Patient Review By Alix
Cannot say enough good things about Dr Haley for taking care of me today. 10/10 recommend this office if you ever need them. They took my wisdom teeth out years ago(during the 2010 May flood to be exact lol). And the whole office staff was wonderful from start to finish. He talked me through the whole procedure and checked on me through each step. He is also super funny and sarcastic and I felt comfortable being my normal “chippy” self as he called it and talked smack right back to him His assistant Destiny was great and I would totally recommend them to anyone. Obviously oral surgery isn’t fun, but it was quick, painless, and as easy as it could possibly be. Will definitely use this office if I ever need oral surgery services in the future.
- Alix