Are tooth extractions actually scary?
Despite what you may think, a tooth extraction is a safe, simple, and painless procedure. At Forestville Family Dental, our team takes extra care to eliminate your pain and maximize your comfort during your procedure.
The most common form of extraction is the removal of wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth can cause issues like headaches, jaw pain, and shifting teeth and molars as they grow in. We put our patients under local anesthesia and extract wisdom teeth surgically.
There are other times when extraction is an effective solution. While we always look first for a solution that will preserve your natural teeth, like a crown or a root canal, sometimes extraction is the only choice. Conditions that may lead to tooth extraction may include extensive decay, infection, or trauma to the jaw.
Here’s what to expect.
Our office performs two kinds of extraction: simple extractions and surgical extractions. A simple extraction involves removal when a tooth is visible above the gumline, whereas a surgical extraction is done by cutting into the gums to remove the tooth. We begin each procedure with an anesthetic, making sure to fully numb around the tooth and its nerve. After the tooth is removed, we often suture the leftover socket, which helps it to heal properly.
We never want tooth extractions to seem complex. Our staff always walks you through the procedure so you know exactly what is happening and what to expect throughout.
Best practices for extraction recovery.
Poor at-home care following a tooth extraction can cause problems like excessive bleeding, pain, or “dry socket,” a very painful condition where blood that has clotted in the socket comes dislodged and exposes the bone or tissue underneath.
Recovery from a tooth extraction may take a few weeks. In order to avoid post-extraction complications, we advise that you be cautious with foods and drinks while you heal. Two good rules of thumb are to 1.) stick to only soft foods and 2.) avoid using straws. It’s also recommended that you avoid spitting or sucking, which may disturb the clot in your socket.
Additional strategies to relieve pain and help your mouth heal include applying ice, taking over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, and changing out your dental gauze at specific intervals until you see your bleeding stop. As you recover, don’t hesitate to call us with any questions or concerns.
Next Steps
Once you’ve healed, we’ll want to meet with you to discuss next steps. The gap left in your teeth can cause issues down the road, including TMJ disorder, shifting or crooked teeth, and/or chewing and speaking issues. Our office can fill that space with one of several options, including a bridge, dental implant, or, if you’re missing more than one tooth, partial or complete dentures. These replacements look and work exactly like real teeth. Our team will work with you to decide which of them is the right choice for your smile and ongoing oral health.
