Of the many services dentists provide, tooth extraction is among the most frequent. There are various reasons why this treatment may be necessary. Though it can be difficult to have missing teeth, removing one can be beneficial for some conditions. If your dentist has recommended that you undergo this procedure, it is helpful to first learn about the process. You can then feel more comfortable and at ease during your appointment.
Often, extracting a tooth is the last method a dentist would consider. Restorative treatments such as dental veneers, dental crowns, and fillings can often address a patient’s needs. However, if a tooth is badly damaged beyond repair, extraction is the right method. Severe fractures or cracks can be so extensive that no other restorative treatment can save the tooth.
Infection is another reason why extracting the tooth might be the right approach. This can keep the infection from spreading into other parts of the body. Removing a tooth may also be the dentist’s recommendation if there is excessive decay. When a filling or root canal is not enough to repair the tooth, the dentist will have to pull it out. When teeth are crowded, removing one or more can create space.
When a tooth is in place, the dentist may use a local anesthetic to numb the area. This will reduce or eliminate any pain that the patient feels during the tooth extraction. Once the patient is numb, the dentist may have to cut into the gum tissue to expose some surrounding bone. Removing some of the bone can help with the removal process. The dentist then pulls out the tooth with a dental tool.
Tooth removal may be necessary for a tooth that has not yet broken through the gums. Another tooth could also be blocking a yet-to-erupt tooth. To remove a tooth such as this, the dentist might put the patient to sleep with a general anesthetic. The dentist will cut into the gums and break the tooth into pieces. After removing the pieces, the dentist sews the wound and controls the bleeding.
Recovering from an impacted tooth removal will generally take longer than a non-impacted tooth. The patient should rest and avoid strenuous activities for at least a day. Taking pain medication can relieve any discomfort. Also, the patient should apply an ice pack to the affected area to manage any swelling that occurs. It may help to avoid eating hard, sticky, or chew food for a few days.
Removing a tooth will leave an open wound in the gums. The individual will need proper care after this procedure. Controlling the bleeding is a priority. This can happen by biting on sterile gauze. A blood clot will form in the tooth socket. Biting on a tea bag can help stop the bleeding because of the tannic acids in it.
Controlling the pain is also important. The dentist will prescribe some pain relievers and anti-inflammatories. Taking these medications can result in drowsiness. The patient must not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking them.
Reducing the swelling in the gum tissue can help minimize the pain as well. Placing an ice pack on the cheek for 10 minutes can help bring down the inflammation. The patient can repeat this at five-minute intervals. There could be some facial bruising later on, but this will fade on its own.
Going to bed early can help the body recover right away. Elevating the head will reduce the pain and bleeding. A soft diet can prevent the patient from chewing hard. It also keeps the blood clot intact for healing. Brushing gently without any toothpaste will prevent the clot from dislodging. Rinsing the mouth with salt water after 12 hours can help the area heal.
The dentist may or may not recommend replacing a tooth after a tooth extraction procedure. If the dentist removed the tooth because of crowding issues, the dentist will not replace it. However, if the dentist and patient decide to fill in the gap, there are a few options. Dental implants, dentures, or a dental bridge are the most common choices.
If you have an upcoming tooth extraction appointment, you probably feel a little nervous. Your dentist has the knowledge and training to successfully perform this procedure. It can also put your mind at ease to know more about how the process works. You should also be aware of when this is the right treatment.
Request an appointment here: https://hemetdentalcenter.com or call Hemet Dental Center: Brian Stiewel DDS, INC. at 9517074366 for an appointment in our Hemet office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Tooth Extraction in Hemet, CA.
Most people would like to keep a mouth full of natural teeth for their entire lives, but sometimes a tooth extraction is necessary. There are specific reasons why a dentist may recommend an extraction, and in general, it is performed if the tooth is causing pain and cannot be saved. Extraction consists of several steps…
Teeth extraction is a popular procedure in dentistry, but also the most feared. When a tooth gets broken or damaged due to trauma or infection, the dentist will attempt a repair with a dental crown, filling or root canal treatment. However, the damage or infection may be so severe that the only alternative is to…
Tooth extractions almost always spur at least a little tenderness. This tenderness typically lasts for a couple days. If you experience discomfort following your tooth extraction, do not panic as it probably will not last more than half a week at the most. The patient's level of pain ultimately varies by the procedure complexity and…
When you need to have tooth extractions, you may be interested in learning more about what to expect from the process. About 85 percent of people will need to have their wisdom teeth removed in their lives, and approximately 16 percent of elderly adults have had all of their teeth extracted. These percentages show how…
Missing even a single tooth can have an impact on a person’s ability to pronounce many words. A partial denture for one missing tooth can help restore clear diction and relieve the embarrassment that can result when listeners have to ask you to repeat yourself. At first, speaking with a new denture can seem strange…
If you have a gap in your teeth, you may want to consider a partial denture for one missing tooth. The gap may be affecting your appearance and lowering your self-confidence. Even if the missing tooth is in the back and is not very noticeable, it is important to replace it because there are long-term…