Dental Extractions near Daphne, AL
Tooth Extraction Information & What to Expect
Are you experiencing dental pain or dealing with a severely damaged tooth? You may be a candidate for a tooth extraction. While the idea of having a tooth pulled might sound intimidating, extractions are a common and often necessary dental procedure that can protect your overall oral health. At Sweet Water Dentistry, serving Daphne, AL and surrounding areas, Dr. Phillip Greer and his compassionate team are here to guide you through every step of the process with comfort and care.
Why Would a Tooth Need to Be Extracted?
There are several reasons why a dentist might recommend a tooth extraction:
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Overcrowding: Sometimes, patients are born with more teeth than their jaw can comfortably accommodate. In these cases, extracting one or more teeth can help align the bite and make space for proper orthodontic treatment.
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Severe Decay or Damage: When a tooth is too damaged or decayed to be repaired with a filling or crown, extraction may be the best course of action to prevent the spread of infection and relieve pain.
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Infections: An abscessed or infected tooth that doesn’t respond to antibiotics or root canal treatment might need to be removed to stop the infection from spreading further.
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Wisdom Teeth Issues: Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infections, or crowding of other teeth and often need to be extracted.
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Gum Disease: Advanced periodontal disease can loosen teeth to the point where extraction becomes necessary.
Dr. Greer will thoroughly evaluate your situation and take the time to explain whether a tooth extraction is truly necessary or if there are alternative treatments available.
The Difference Between Simple and Surgical Extractions
There are two primary types of dental extractions, and knowing which kind you need will depend on the condition of the tooth and its placement.
Simple Extractions
A simple extraction is typically performed on a tooth that is visible above the gum line and easily accessible. Here’s what you can expect:
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Dr. Greer will first numb the area around the tooth using a local anesthetic to ensure you feel no pain during the procedure.
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Using a tool called an elevator, he gently loosens the tooth from its socket.
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Then, forceps are used to remove the tooth.
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Once the tooth is removed, gauze is placed to help form a blood clot and begin the healing process.
This type of extraction is quick, relatively non-invasive, and recovery is usually smooth with proper aftercare.
Surgical Extractions
Surgical extractions are more complex and are typically required when:
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A tooth is broken at the gum line
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A tooth is impacted (as is often the case with wisdom teeth)
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A tooth has not fully erupted
In a surgical extraction:
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The dentist will make a small incision in the gum to access the tooth.
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In some cases, the tooth may need to be divided into smaller pieces before removal.
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The area is then cleaned, and stitches may be used to help the gum tissue heal.
Although this procedure is more involved, patients are often surprised by how little discomfort they feel thanks to modern techniques and anesthesia.
What to Expect After a Tooth Extraction
Proper aftercare is essential to promote healing and prevent complications:
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Keep the gauze in place for at least 30–60 minutes post-extraction.
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Avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously, using a straw, or smoking for the first 24 hours.
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Stick to soft foods and avoid the extraction site while chewing.
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Take any prescribed pain medications or antibiotics as directed.
One of the most important things to watch out for is dry socket, a painful condition that occurs when the blood clot fails to form or becomes dislodged. If you notice intense pain 2–3 days after your procedure, especially accompanied by a foul odor or taste, contact Sweet Water Dentistry immediately. Dr. Greer can provide relief through medicated dressings and personalized aftercare recommendations.
Schedule Your Extraction Consultation Today
Tooth extractions don’t have to be scary. At Sweet Water Dentistry, we take every step to make the process as painless and stress-free as possible. Whether you’re dealing with a broken tooth, an impacted wisdom tooth, or dental crowding, Dr. Phillip Greer is here to help.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward a healthier, pain-free smile.
📍 Serving patients in Daphne, Fairhope, Spanish Fort, and surrounding Baldwin County areas.
📞 Call us at (251) 210-2773
🌐 Visit: www.sweetwatersmile.com
Visit us for expert care:
Sweet Water Dentistry
📍 5915 Sweetwater Cir, Fairhope, AL 36532
🌐 sweetwatersmile.com
📞 Call or Text: (251) 210-2773
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