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Extractions
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An extraction is performed to remove a tooth, whether because of disease, crowding, or damage. When extractions are required, the area around the tooth will be numbed and your dentist will remove the tooth. A small amount of bleeding is normal, as your mouth will replace the removed tooth root by forming a blood clot in the area.
There are numerous situations in which a simple extraction can help alleviate pain or prepare you for another cosmetic or restorative procedure. Some common reasons for extraction include:
● Advanced periodontal disease that has loosened the tooth roots
● Extra teeth or baby teeth that impede adult teeth
● Preparing a patient for orthodontic treatment
● Removing a fractured or malformed tooth
● Severe tooth decay which cannot be remedied with root canal therapy
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, visit our office today so we can determine if you need an extraction. Delaying a consultation can worsen the situation and require longer recovery times.
Caring for your mouth after an extraction is very important. Your dentist will outline how you should care for the area of the extraction. It is important to allow your mouth time to heal, so avoid activities like smoking, drinking through a straw, or eating foods that may aggravate the area.
If you experience any complications, like excessive swelling, be sure to call your dentist right away. Your dentist may also recommend pain medication when appropriate. While you can care for your other teeth as normal, be careful not to clean the teeth next to the extraction.
As a precaution, the dentist will first take X-rays of the tooth or teeth in question, to help plan the procedure. After preparing a method of extraction, you will be given a local anesthetic that will prevent you from feeling pain during the procedure. Next, the dentist will use a tool called an elevator to lift the tooth and loosen ligaments and gum tissue around the base of the tooth. Finally, the dentist will use a pair of forceps, to gently rock the tooth back and forth until it breaks free of the ligaments holding it in the gum tissue. Occasionally, a stubborn tooth will resist the dentist’s soft tug, refusing to come out. In these and more complex cases, the tooth may need to be broken up into smaller pieces for removal. Once removed, we will pack gauze into the socket and have you place pressure on the area by biting down. If necessary, the dentist will place stitches to close the socket.
If you have questions about Extractions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us today at (916) 736-2801!
You need to avoid anything sharp or hard and stick with things like warm broth, yogurt, pudding and ice cream for a few days. Since your gums will be sore, you probably will not want much more than this. During a follow-up appointment, we will provide directions for when normal dietary habits can commence.
About 3 days after your tooth extraction, your gums will begin to heal and close around the removal site. And finally, 7-10 days after your procedure, the opening left by your extracted tooth should be closed (or almost closed), and your gums should no longer be tender or swollen.
The teeth next to the space left by the extracted or missing tooth will shift toward each other and try to fill the space. This occurrence results in a partial gap and crooked teeth, which are difficult to clean and maintain.
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