Restore Your Smile
Tooth
& Extraction
Your dentist will do everything possible to save your natural teeth. No one looks forward to the idea of needing a tooth pulled. Unfortunately, a tooth extraction is sometimes necessary when a tooth has been severely damaged beyond repair. Extracting a tooth will help to prevent decay from spreading throughout the mouth and into the body, risking your overall health.
Most teeth are extracted as a simple procedure. Your dentist would provide a local anesthetic to numb the tooth. They would then loosen the tooth from its underlying structures, rocking it back and forth. Finally, they would use forceps to extract the tooth.
Surgical Tooth Extraction
In some cases, there is not enough tooth structure available for a conventional tooth extraction. In this case, your dentist would administered general anesthesia so that you are unconscious during the procedure. They would create incisions around the tooth and extract it.
Wisdom Teeth
One common reason why tooth extractions are performed is because of wisdom teeth. These are the final adult teeth to arrive in late adolescence. Although some people have no problems with their wisdom teeth, many people do. Most human jaws are simply not large enough to accommodate these teeth.
Your dentist may advise you to adopt a wait-and-see approach, or go ahead and have your wisdom teeth extracted to prevent anticipated problems.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
After your tooth has been extracted, a blood clot should form in the empty socket. It is very important that you do not disturb this blood clot, as it serves as a sort of natural bandage to promote healing.
Avoid smoking, or drinking through a straw, for at least a couple of days after your tooth extraction to prevent the blood clot from becoming dislodged.
Over-the-counter pain relievers should be sufficient to manage any pain or discomfort after your extraction. Your dentist may also provide you with prescription pain medication if necessary.
If you should experience lingering pain after the extraction, or pain that increases in intensity, contact your dentist right away.
Dental Implant Restoration
Many people who have had a tooth extracted get it replaced using a dental implant. Each implant is made up of three parts. The first part is a titanium metal rod that is inserted into the jawbone, which firmly supports and anchors it. Your dentist then places an abutment over the rod, allowing for the subsequent placement of a dental crown to provide a chewing and biting surface.
Dental implants are:
- Strong and durable
- Firmly implanted into the jawbone
- Provide the look, feel, and function of a natural tooth
For More Information
If you would like to receive additional information about tooth extractions, or have any questions or concerns about any of our other dental services and treatments, please contact our office today.
