Tooth extractions are a necessary and sometimes inevitable procedure. Whether you’re dealing with impacted wisdom teeth, severe decay, or other dental issues, understanding the ins and outs of tooth extractions is crucial.
Arsmiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry proudly offers this service, and has various treatment options that go hand in hand with extraction. Find out all about this treatment below.
The Purpose of Tooth Extractions
Tooth extractions are dental procedures designed to preserve your oral health by removing problematic teeth. At Arsmiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we perform extractions in a safe, comfortable, and relaxed manner to ensure your convenience. These extractions are often necessary when there’s no other viable option to save a tooth.
Common Reasons for Extractions
Extractions become imperative for various reasons, including:
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth can cause discomfort and misalignment, necessitating removal.
- Loose or Severely Decayed Teeth: Teeth affected by severe decay may be beyond repair.
- Teeth that are Cracked or Broken Below the Gum Line: Such teeth pose infection risks and require extraction.
- Stubborn Baby Teeth: In some cases, baby teeth may need extraction to facilitate proper eruption of permanent teeth.
- Avoiding Additional Treatment: In certain situations, extracting a problematic tooth can help you avoid more extensive dental treatments.
Why Do We Require Tooth Extractions?
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, often emerge misaligned or impacted, causing pain and discomfort. Removing them is a common preventive measure.
- Loose or Severely Decayed Teeth: Teeth with extensive decay may not be salvageable. Extraction is necessary to prevent further complications.
- Teeth that are Cracked or Broken Below the Gum Line: When a tooth is damaged below the gum line, extraction is often the only viable option to prevent infection.
- Stubborn Baby Teeth: Some children retain their baby teeth longer than necessary, which can affect the eruption of permanent teeth. Extraction may be recommended.
- Avoiding Additional Treatment: In certain situations, removing a problematic tooth can spare you from more extensive and costly dental treatments down the road.
What Happens During a Tooth Extraction?
The Role of Anesthesia and Sedation
Your comfort is our priority. We offer various sedation options, ensuring you are at ease during the procedure. Whether you want to be fully knocked out, or just numb and relaxed, we have a sedation option to help you feel as comfortable as possible, physically and mentally.
The Extraction Procedure
Our skilled dentists will gently and efficiently remove the problematic tooth. If needed, sutures will be placed to close the gums, and gauze will be used to control bleeding.
~ Hannah W★★★★★
The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable. They make coming to the dentist an enjoyable experience because they take a personal interest in you. I would recommend them to anyone!
Post-Extraction Care
Following the procedure, we’ll ensure you’re fully awake and comfortable. If you’ve undergone general sedation, we recommend having a friend or relative accompany you home.
After Your Tooth Extraction: Essential Recovery Tips
Following a tooth extraction at Arsmiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, proper aftercare is crucial for a smooth and comfortable recovery, and to prevent complications. Here are key tips to help you heal quickly:
- Manage Bleeding: Bite gently on the gauze pad placed over the extraction site for 30-45 minutes. Change it as needed until bleeding subsides, which may take a few hours. A small amount of oozing is normal for up to 24 hours.
- Pain Management: Take prescribed pain medication as directed, or over-the-counter pain relievers recommended by our team. Apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek near the extraction site for 15-20 minutes at a time during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
- Protect the Blood Clot: The blood clot that forms in the socket is vital for healing. Avoid dislodging it by:
- No Smoking: Smoking significantly delays healing and increases dry socket risk.
- No Straws: The sucking motion can dislodge the clot.
- No Spitting or Rinsing Vigorously: Be gentle when rinsing your mouth.
- Avoid Hot Liquids: Stick to cool or lukewarm foods and drinks for the first day.
- Diet: Stick to soft foods for the first few days (e.g., yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes). Gradually reintroduce solid foods as comfort allows. Avoid chewing on the extraction side.
- Oral Hygiene: Do not brush directly on the extraction site for the first 24 hours. After 24 hours, you can gently rinse your mouth with a warm salt water mixture a couple of times a day, especially after eating. Brush your other teeth normally, but be careful around the healing area.
- Rest: Get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities for at least 24-48 hours. This helps your body focus energy on healing.
If you have any questions or concerns post-treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team!
Safe Tooth Extractions at Arsmiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
At Arsmiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, your safety is our top priority. With a team of highly skilled professionals, we ensure that every tooth extraction procedure is carried out with the utmost care and precision. Rest assured, you’re in capable hands for a comfortable and worry-free experience during all of our services.If you suspect you may need a tooth extraction or have questions about your oral health, don’t hesitate to contact us. Schedule a consultation with our expert dental team today.