For one reason or another, having teeth pulled may be a necessary step in maintaining your oral health. At Premier Dental Care, we understand that removing a tooth is a serious decision. As a result, we dedicate ourselves to informing our patients about what to expect from tooth removal procedures. Our priority is keeping our patients comfortable and stress-free, even during a tooth extraction.
How Will I Know if I Need a Tooth Pulled?
There are several situations that may warrant a tooth extraction if all alternatives have been ruled out.
- Infection — Teeth that are badly damaged beyond repair either from trauma or decay will likely require extraction. Even the risk of infection may be cause enough to pull the tooth. Depending on the severity of the case, emergency extraction may be required.
- Overcrowded mouth — Teeth are occasionally pulled in preparation of orthodontic work. Similarly, if a tooth is unable to break through the gum due to lack of space, it may require extraction.
- Impacted wisdom teeth — If a wisdom tooth does not have enough space to grow or is beginning to grow incorrectly, the impacted wisdom teeth must be extracted.
- Periodontitis (gum disease) — If periodontal disease has caused loosening of the teeth, it may be necessary to pull the affected teeth.
X-rays will be taken to determine the extent of the procedure if any of the above are suspected.
What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction
We are accustomed to performing routine and emergency tooth extractions, so you can trust that your procedure will go smoothly. Understanding the process beforehand is essential to remaining comfortable throughout the operation.
- Prior to the extraction, patients will be given an injection of anesthetic (local or general) to numb the area where the tooth will be removed, allowing for a pain-free experience.
- If the tooth is impacted, the dentist will cut away any gum or bone tissue covering the tooth.
- Using forceps, the dentist will grasp the tooth and carefully maneuver it back and forth, removing it from the jaw bone.
- Once the tooth has been pulled, a gauze pad will be placed into the socket to help stop the bleeding. Occasionally, a few self-dissolving stitches will be placed to facilitate healing.
The Aftercare Process of Tooth Extraction
Following your procedure, your dentist will thoroughly review the healing process before sending you home. Recovery generally takes a couple of days, and the following tips will aid in minimizing discomfort as well as having a healthy and speedy recovery.
- Administer painkillers as prescribed or recommended.
- Keep gauze in place for a few hours after the procedure, biting firmly on the gauze pad to reduce bleeding and aid in forming a blood clot. Change pads before they become soaked with blood.
- Apply ice to the affected area for 10-minute intervals after the procedure to reduce swelling.
- Do not rinse, spit, or suck from a straw for at least 24 hours.
- Following your dentist’s instructions, you may follow up with a salt water rinse after a given period of time.
- Avoid smoking and eating hard or crunchy foods in the day or so following the procedure.
- Schedule a follow up visit to discus tooth replacement solutions, such as a dental implant.
Trust Premier Dental with Your Tooth Extraction
When you visit Premier Dental Care to begin your tooth extraction process, you can count on our staff to inform you of all your options clearly and professionally. We understand getting a tooth pulled can be a stressful situation, and we are committed to doing all we can to make our patients comfortable, informed, and at ease. If you’re concerned about possibly needing to have teeth pulled, contact Premier Dental today. We’ll help you schedule an appointment and talk you through the process, making it as easy and stress-free as can be.
