Tooth Extractions
Tooth Extractions in a Comfortable Office
Tooth extractions will seem scary if you’ve never had to undergo one, but it should be an easy and comfortable experience. Not to mention that it’s quick and relatively painless. Recovery from a tooth extraction should take no longer than just a few days.
We can perform some tooth extractions here in our office but in some cases, we may refer out to an oral surgeon.
Reasons For a Tooth Extraction
A common reason patients undergo a tooth extraction procedure is to remove their wisdom teeth. This is typically handled by an oral surgeon. When wisdom teeth are impacted it stops your teeth from growing in normally.
In some cases, a dentist might recommend extraction to make room in the mouth for proper tooth alignment. Other times, a tooth needs to be extracted when it is badly damaged or decayed. If this is the case, an extraction will prevent infection and relieve pain.
The Tooth Extraction Process
The process of tooth extraction is quick and mainly painless. You can expect the process to look something similar to this:
- After taking x-rays, the dentist or oral surgeon will review them with you and talk through the extraction process.
- The dentist will use a local numbing agent for the tooth, gum, and bone.
- Throughout the extraction, you should only feel pressure but no pain.
- In most cases, the dentist can remove the tooth using applied pressure, rather than surgical intervention.
What To Expect After a Tooth Extraction
After the procedure, your dentist will send you home with instructions to properly care for the extraction site in the hours and days following tooth removal. Some patients may need to cover the area with gauze.
Patients who experience pain after the extraction might be prescribed medicine by their dentist or oral surgeon to give some relief in the days following the procedure. The gums should fully heal in a matter of weeks, as long as the site is kept clean. Once healed, you may be interested in replacing the missing tooth with an implant, bridge, or denture.
Schedule a Tooth Extraction Consultation
If you think you might need a tooth extracted, reach out to us and we will schedule a tooth extraction consultation. In some cases, we may decide to refer you out to an oral surgeon. Contact us today to make your appointment!
