What To Expect With A Tooth Extraction
A tooth extraction can be an intimidating experience for any patient. Fortunately though, a tooth extraction is one of the most common dental procedures, with experts estimating that more than 20 million teeth are extracted each year in the United States. When it comes to tooth extractions, here are some basic things you should know.
What is tooth extraction?
A tooth extraction is exactly what you understand it to be: the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. Generally speaking, there are two types of extractions. A simple tooth extraction is the removal of visible teeth by loosening the tooth with an “elevator” and then extracting the tooth with dental forceps. A surgical extraction is a procedure which requires an incision into surrounding tissue in order to remove the tooth.
When is tooth extraction necessary?
Tooth extraction may be necessary when the following conditions are present:
Severe decay or infection that cannot be repaired or restored
Injury or trauma that has damaged the tooth beyond repair
Primary teeth that don’t fall out in time
In conjunction with orthodontic treatment
Impacted or unerupted wisdom teeth
This panoramic x-ray highlights an impacted wisdom tooth that may need extraction to prevent damage to the patient’s teeth.
The best way to know if tooth extraction is necessary is to regularly visit the dentist. If you have experienced dental injury or trauma, call your dentist immediately to determine if the tooth can be repaired or restored.
What will happen during a tooth extraction?
Tooth extractions can be performed by a general dentist, periodontist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and the procedure is similar regardless of the specialty of the dental professional. The differences are primarily related to the preferences and training of the dentist.
To begin, your dentist should thoroughly review your medical and dental history and take necessary x-rays. A thorough review of your medical and dental history is necessary in order to provide your dentist with a complete understanding of any pre-existing conditions that may indicate you are at high-risk for infection or other complications. High-risk does not mean you cannot undergo a tooth extraction, but you may need to take antibiotics before and after the extraction to.
Once the proper method of extraction is determined and proper anesthesia administered, your tooth will be loosened and removed either through a simple extraction or a more complex surgical procedure.
After the tooth is extracted, your dentist may place dry, sterile gauze at the extraction site to limit bleeding while clotting takes place. If necessary, self-dissolving stitches may be placed to close the surrounding gum tissue over the extraction site. Your dentist will also go over aftercare instructions with you and/or your companion if sedation dentistry was used.
Is tooth extraction painful?
No. During the procedure itself, you should not experience pain. Extractions will always include anesthesia, but the type of anesthesia used will depend on the type of extraction as well as your personal comfort and/or anxiety level. For a simple extraction, local anesthesia - the numbing of the tooth and surrounding gum tissue - is sufficient for a painless procedure. However, if you experience dental anxiety, sedation dentistry may provide a more comfortable experience.
Post-extraction, you can expect a level of discomfort, pain and possibly swelling in the area of the extraction. As a part of your aftercare instructions, your dentist will recommend some options to minimize discomfort and pain during your recovery period. These options may include: a pain killer or prescription medication, application of an ice pack, food or dietary restrictions, or other remedies to aid in your recovery. Typically, you can expect the pain and discomfort to subside within a few days or up to two weeks. If you experience severe pain, bleeding or swelling, call your dentist immediately.
At WoodSprings Dentistry, our dentists, Drs. Samantha and James Tejada, offer compassionate and honest dental care for patients in The Woodlands, Spring, and surrounding communities. If you have questions about tooth extractions, including wisdom teeth extractions or pediatric extractions, please contact our office today.