Tooth Extraction and Dry Sockets

tooth extraction and dry sockets

Many people opt or need to have their wisdom teeth removed either in their teens or early twenties. This is because these rear molars often come with a higher risk of coming in impacted or trapped under other teeth and unable to break through. Dr. Bork and the team at Rebecca Bork Family Dentistry offers tooth extractions to prevent the troubles associated with an impacted tooth. Most extractions go smoothly, but sometimes complications can occur. Dry sockets are one such possible complication with wisdom teeth removal.

How Do Dry Sockets Occur?

When a blood clot does not form properly or becomes dislodged at the site of the extraction three or four days after surgery, a dry socket can form. Symptoms of a dry socket include a bad odor and pain at the surgical site.

What Can You Do To Treat a Dry Socket?

If you notice moderate to severe pain a few days after your surgery, you should contact your practitioner or their staff. You will typically have a follow-up visit to make sure everything is healing properly, but treatment of a dry socket involves proper placement of medication. If you are suffering from a dry socket, Dr. Bork will place the medication at your visit, and that should promote healing of the problem.

Is a Dry Socket Permanent?

No, a dry socket is not a permanent condition, but it may get worse if left untreated. That is why if you notice anything that seems out of the ordinary – such as worsening pain at the surgical site – you should contact Dr. Rebecca Bork. The sooner you get treatment for a dry socket, the sooner your mouth will get back to normal.

Where Can You Learn More?

As with any surgery, wisdom teeth removal does have a risk of complications. Treatment from a qualified professional can lower the risks of these complications occurring, however. To learn more, schedule a consultation today. Our friendly and knowledgeable team at Rebecca Bork Family Dentistry are here to answer any questions you might have about all things dental related. We are currently located in the Allen, Texas area to better assist you with your oral healthcare.

How a Dentist Can Treat Your Gum Disease

How a Dentist Can Treat Your Gum Disease

It comes and it goes, but the bleeding and tenderness comes a lot more frequently these days and it takes a lot longer to go away. You’ve made sure to brush and floss more regularly, yet your gums are still sore and prone to bleeding from brushing and even eating at times.

It’s time to get gum disease under control, before it advances into periodontitis and begins rotting away your teeth, gums and jawbone. Take a look at these procedures your dentist can deliver to stop gum disease, from treatments for mild gum disease to advanced procedures to address periodontitis.

Scaling and root planing: this pair of gum disease treatments is commonly referred to collectively as “deep cleaning.” It entails a hygienist removing dental calculus, hardened plaque, from the roots of teeth – “scaling.” It also involves smoothing the surface of teeth roots, after scaling, to get rid of bacterial pockets between the root and gums – “planing.”

Gingivectomy: this procedure involves smoothing and recontouring the gums so that a gum line ravaged by gum disease will look healthy and normal again.

Ridge augmentation: when a tooth falls out, the area of the jawbone where it was once planted will begin to decay and cause the cheeks to sink inwards. Ridge augmentation can restore the contours of teeth and gums to keep your smile full, healthy and symmetrical.

Bone grafting: it’s a critical procedure that’s often necessary to make an area of the jawbone reliable enough to support dental implants, which are placed when periodontitis rots natural teeth and causes them to fall out.

Find Out More

Learn more about the common procedures your dentist can perform to help you keep gum disease in check.

Click here to schedule a consultation with a local dentist in Allen, Texas and be prepared to ask plenty of questions about your options for gum disease treatment.