What is an Extraction
Tooth extraction, also known as dental extraction, is a dental procedure in which a tooth is carefully removed from the jawbone.
Why would I need a tooth extraction?
Severe tooth decay: If the tooth is severely decayed and cannot be saved with a filling or root canal, extraction may be necessary to prevent further decay or infection.
Periodontitis: Chronic periodontitis can cause tooth loss due to the destruction of the bone and tissues surrounding the tooth. In such cases, tooth extraction may be necessary to maintain general oral health.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, can become displaced (below the stomach level) due to lack of space in the jaw or misalignment. Implanted wisdom teeth may cause pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth and may require extraction.
Orthodontic treatment: In some cases, teeth may need to be extracted as part of orthodontic treatment to make room for the proper alignment of the remaining teeth.
Trauma: If serious damage occurs to the tooth as a result of an accident or injury, the tooth may need to be extracted.
How to prepare for a tooth extraction
- Consult your dentist or oral surgeon: Schedule an initial appointment to discuss the need for a tooth extraction, review your medical history, and discuss any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure.
- Tell your dentist about your medications and medical history: Give your dentist a complete list of all medications you take, including nonprescription drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies. Also inform them about any medical conditions you have, as some conditions may require special precautions before removal.
- Arrange transportation: Arrange for someone to drive you home afterward, as you may be under anesthesia or sedation at that time.
- Follow Pre-Surgery Instructions: Your dentist will provide specific instructions for you to follow before the extraction, which may include rules such as fasting (if sedation is used), avoiding certain medications (such as blood thinners), and oral hygiene.
- Post treatment plan: Soft foods and liquids are best after the extraction, as your mouth may be sore for a few days. Also make sure you have over-the-counter painkillers.
- Wear comfortable clothes: Wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of the extraction so that you can relax during the procedure and move freely afterward.
- Plan to take time off from work or school: Depending on the type of extraction and your recovery process, you may need to take a day or two off from work or school to rest and recover.
- Follow additional instructions: Your dentist may provide additional instructions for certain situations, such as using compresses to reduce swelling or avoiding smoking and brushing your teeth for a while after the extraction. Be sure to follow these instructions carefully for a healthy recovery.
What is the procedure for a tooth extraction?
Preparation: The dentist or oral surgeon will review your medical history, discuss any concerns or questions you may have, and may take X-rays to assess the tooth and surrounding structures. They will also discuss the type of anesthesia or sedation that will be used during the procedure.
Anesthesia: Before the extraction begins, the dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth to be extracted. In some cases, conscious sedation or general anesthesia may be used to help you relax or sleep through the procedure, especially if multiple teeth need to be extracted or if the extraction is complex.
Extraction: Once the area is numb or you are sedated, the dentist will use specialized instruments, such as forceps and elevators, to loosen the tooth from its socket in the jawbone. They will carefully rock the tooth back and forth to widen the socket and facilitate removal. In some cases, a small incision may be made in the gum tissue to access the tooth more easily.
Removal: After the tooth is loosened, the dentist will gently remove it from the socket. You may feel some pressure during this step, but you should not experience pain due to the anesthesia.
Cleaning and closure: Once the tooth is removed, the dentist will clean the extraction site to remove any debris or infection. In some cases, they may also stitch the gum tissue together to promote healing. If necessary, a gauze pad will be placed over the extraction site to help control bleeding.
Post-operative instructions: The dentist will provide you with instructions for caring for the extraction site at home, including how to manage pain and swelling, when to resume normal activities, and what foods to avoid during the initial healing period. They may also prescribe antibiotics if there is a risk of infection.
Follow-up: Depending on the complexity of the extraction and your individual healing process, you may need to schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your recovery and remove any stitches.
FAQ
Tooth extraction is generally not painful during the procedure because local anesthesia is used to numb the area around the tooth. There will be some soreness after the numbness wears off, which is controllable with over the counter pain medication.
You can start eating soft foods a few hours or a day after tooth extraction. Avoid hard, soft or spicy foods and follow your dentist’s instructions after treatment to promote healthy healing. Smoking, vaping, or drinking through straws should be avoided as the suction can reopen the wound.
- Follow your dentist’s post-operative instructions.
- Use ice packs to reduce swelling.
- Take pain medications as prescribed.
- Avoid smoking or vaping.
- Eat soft meals and maintain good oral hygiene.
- Rest and avoid strenuous activities.
The first night after a tooth extraction:
- Apply pressure and gauze to prevent bleeding.
- Take prescription medications.
- Use ice packs to reduce swelling.
- Rest with your head up.
- Eat soft foods.
- Pay attention to oral hygiene.
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6790 W Layton Ave Suite C
Greenfield, WI 53220
Phone
(414) 285-7929
smileteam@freshcoastdentalmke.com