What to Expect with a Tooth Extraction.

Does the thought of having a tooth pulled make you anxious? Tooth extractions involve removing a tooth from its socket because of severe tooth decay or infection, crowded teeth, dental injuries, or gum disease. Extractions can be intimidating, but understanding the process can help ease tooth removal fears. In fact, removing the tooth is often beneficial to your overall oral health and can eliminate any pain you may have been experiencing.

Before the Procedure

Meeting with the dentist is the first step in preparing for a tooth extraction. During this consultation, they will ask about medical history and have dental X-rays taken to determine the extent of the problem. Based on their findings, they will create a personalized plan for the extraction.

During the Procedure

The procedure starts with local anesthesia to numb your tooth and the surrounding gum, so you don’t feel any pain. Then, with special instruments, the dentist will loosen and pull your tooth. In some cases, they will need to make an incision to grab the tooth effectively. They then clean and disinfect the area. Depending on the complexity of the procedure, you may need stitches. 

After the Procedure

After the dentist extracts the tooth, they will apply gauze to the opening to slow bleeding. Once the bleeding has significantly slowed, you can take the gauze out. You may feel initial numbness, and after the numbness wears off, you may feel some pain. In this case, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. After a few days, you should feel normal, though the jawbone will take a few weeks to heal completely. For the best healing, be sure to keep the area clean and stick to soft foods. 

Tooth extractions can be quick and painless at Ridgeview Dental. For a simple and effective extraction experience, call our office and make an appointment today!