As Painless as Possible
About Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is a procedure in which a tooth is loosened and then removed from the gum socket. It is a minor surgical procedure that is performed with the patient locally anesthetized.
Reasons for Tooth Extraction
The most common reason a tooth may need to be extracted is severe damage caused by tooth decay. This typically occurs when appropriate dental care has been neglected. Preventative care, including regular dental check-ups, will reduce the chances of needing a tooth extraction, but there are other reasons it is sometimes necessary.
- Crowded teeth
- Severe infection that isn’t clearing up with antibiotics
- Periodontal (Gum) Disease
- Infection in a compromised immune system
When scheduling a tooth extraction, you should consider scheduling it in the afternoon or taking the full day off work. While it is a minor procedure, there will be mild to moderate pain for a day or two after. Discuss this and any other concerns when you schedule your extraction with AAdams Dental Care.
Before a tooth extraction takes place, the dentist will examine the area. A local anesthetic will be used to fully numb the area. This means two or more shots will be injected into the gum around the tooth. This is the only painful part of the appointment. The anesthetic takes a few minutes to fully numb the mouth. The dentist will test the area before beginning to ensure the patient is comfortable.
The tooth extraction itself is usually simple. Using forceps, the dentist will rock the tooth back and forth to loosen it from the gum and ligaments holding it in place. There will be pressure and some unpleasant sounds, but the experience will be painless. The tooth may break into pieces. If this happens, there is no need to be concerned. It is a common occurrence. The process of removing all pieces of the tooth should take no more than a few minutes.
Recovery from a tooth extraction is relatively easy. There will be some bleeding initially, so gauze will be placed over the area. Extra gauze will be given to the patient to change out if necessary, but it shouldn’t take long for a clot to form. Once the bleeding has stopped, the gauze can be taken out permanently.
Your dentist at AAdams Dental Care will likely prescribe an antibiotic to prevent infection, as well as something mild to take for pain. Take medications as prescribed. Do not smoke or use a straw for the first 24 hours to avoid a painful condition known as Dry Socket. Within a few days, the area should be completely healed.
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It is our utmost priority to provide all patients with quality, affordable dental care. We will work with you to coordinate payment plans that you are comfortable with.
Please feel to call or email us to inquire about your insurance plan and we will do our best to answer any questions you may have.
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