What To Expect From Dental Extractions

premier • July 5, 2019

Dental extraction, or “getting a tooth pulled,” is a common procedure, but you may feel some apprehension about it. Typically performed by general dentists, periodontists, or oral surgeons, an extraction may be necessary for a number of reasons. We want to help ease any anxiety you might feel by discussing what you can expect when you need to get a tooth pulled.

Why Might You Need an Extraction?

In most cases, our goal is to preserve your teeth. However, there are times when the best course of action is to remove one or more of them. You might need to have an extraction under these circumstances:

  • You have an extremely damaged tooth from decay or trauma that can’t withstand a root canal, bridge, or other means.
  • An overcrowded mouth. Some teeth may need to be removed before you can undergo orthodontic treatment to have your teeth realigned.
  • Gum disease has loosened your tooth.
  • Your teeth are impacted (blocked from breaking through the gum-line). This is common with wisdom teeth.

The Procedure and What to Expect

Depending on the state of the tooth you need to have extracted, you may undergo one of two types of procedures:

  • Simple extraction . Your tooth is visible and can be removed under local anesthesia.
  • Surgical extraction . Your tooth may be under your gum-line or only partially visible. In this case, an incision is necessary to get to the tooth. This may be done under general anesthesia.

During the procedure, the dentist or surgeon will use forceps to remove the tooth, gently rocking it back and forth until it loosens from the socket. If this doesn’t work, the tooth may need to be split and removed in pieces. For a surgical extraction, an incision will be made to get to the tooth.

Once the tooth is removed, the surgeon will pack gauze into the empty socket to stop the bleeding. A blood clot will begin to form.

Aftercare

After the procedure, carefully follow the aftercare instructions provided to you. Take pain medication and antibiotics as prescribed. Here are a few tips to get you smoothly through the first 24 hours:

  • Bite down on gauze or a warm black tea bag to prevent bleeding. Prop up your head.
  • Apply ice to the side of your mouth near the extraction site to ease the pain.
  • Avoid rinsing, spitting, and using straws during the first 24 hours after the procedure. This can dislodge the blood clot and cause a painful condition called dry socket.
  • Eat only soft foods. Avoid foods with seeds that stick to the socket.
  • After the first 24 hours, you can begin to rinse your mouth with a solution made of 1/2 teaspoon salt and 8 ounces of warm water.
  • Plan to rest for the first one to two days.

At South Holston Dental Designs, we take care of you and your teeth. Our expert dentists perform quality work while putting you at ease. If you’re concerned you may need a dental extraction, or if you want to schedule a routine visit, we want to hear from you. You can also call to hear more about what to expect when getting a dental extraction  Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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