Tooth Extractions

When it comes to tooth extraction, the procedure generally involves first numbing the area with a local anesthetic. Your dentist will then loosen your tooth and carefully remove it, often using special dental instruments like forceps or a drill. Depending on the individual situation, your dentist may need to perform a simple extraction or a surgical one.

For a simple extraction, the tooth is visible in your mouth and can be removed in one piece relatively easily. Surgical extractions typically involve more complicated tooth removal, such as if it has broken off at the gum line or beneath it. During this procedure, your dentist may need to make an incision to reach the impacted tooth so they can carefully remove it from its socket.

Afterward, stitches may be necessary to close up this incision. Following both types of extractions, gauze is usually packed into the empty socket to help with healing and stop any bleeding. You may also need antibiotics to avoid any infection risk following your surgery.

Sedation is an excellent option for those who experience dental anxiety or wish to be more comfortable during a dental appointment. Nitrous oxide, frequently called "laughing gas," is the most common sedation medication used in dentistry and provides light-level sedation. People who choose nitrous oxide to help them relax during a dental procedure can drive themselves to and from their appointments.

The use of sedation during tooth extractions and other dental procedures can greatly reduce the stress associated with the process, allowing patients to have a much more pleasant experience overall. By choosing appropriate levels of sedation, patients can also receive treatment safely and with as little discomfort as possible.

Other forms of oral or intravenous sedatives may also be used in place of or in addition to nitrous oxide when necessary for deeper levels of relaxation for some individuals.

Proper preparation for tooth extraction is essential for a successful outcome. This begins with your dentist thoroughly reviewing your medical and dental history, as well as taking X-rays. These X-rays are key in determining the shape, length, and position of the tooth and surrounding bone. This helps determine if an ordinary extraction or surgery is necessary to remove it.

Your dentist will then numb the area around your tooth before starting a simple extraction by injecting a local anesthetic into the gum line. However, if surgery is required, you may be given IV anesthesia ranging from conscious sedation to general anesthesia that requires you to sleep during the procedure. It should be noted that if this is an option, you must arrange transportation and someone to stay with you until they wear off after the procedure.

Very few people need antibiotics before a dental procedure like a tooth extraction. But if you have had a joint replacement, be sure to talk to your dentist and/or your doctor before any dental procedure.

Extracting wisdom teeth is a common oral surgery procedure with minimal risks and long-term complications. Most patients have a successful recovery, with very few problems arising from the extraction process. The tiny chance of any long-term pain or discomfort can be reduced further by discussing post-surgery care options with your dentist in detail before the procedure.

In cases where impacted wisdom teeth require surgical removal, there is a small risk of complication due to the more complex nature of this approach. A dry socket or an infection in the socket may arise if bacteria gets into the wound or if the post-surgical blood clot fails to form properly at the extraction site. Damage to nearby teeth and jawbone, as well as nerve damage, can also occur if complications arise during surgery. Your dentist will discuss all possible risks associated with having your wisdom teeth removed surgically before you make a decision on how you want to proceed.

After having a tooth pulled, it is important to follow your dentist’s instructions for recovering correctly. Recovery typically takes a few days and can be minimized through simple steps. To prevent discomfort and infection, take any painkillers prescribed by your dentist and bite gently but firmly on a gauze pad placed where the tooth was extracted. Ensure these gauze pads are changed regularly before they become soaked with blood.

Additional steps to speed recovery include applying an ice pack to your cheek near the extraction site for ten minutes at a time for the first 24 hours; avoiding alcohol, smoking, spitting, or rinsing. Eating soft foods such as yogurt, applesauce, soups or smoothies; and avoiding vigorous exercise or other activities that may cause blood to rush away from the extraction site. All of these steps combined will help ensure a speedy recovery from your tooth extraction.

Although most extractions are successful, patients may experience after-effects such as swelling and pain in the area where the extraction was done. To ensure a smooth recovery, it is important to call your care team after tooth extraction to address any potential complications.

At SmileVibe Dental, our experienced care team will be with you throughout your tooth extraction treatment plan and beyond to provide the best medical care possible. If you experience high fever, vomiting, severe pain, or swelling for more than 48 hours or if the pain increases instead of decreasing after an extraction, then it is important to call us immediately. We understand that you may have concerns before and during a tooth extraction which is why we will discuss all of your options with you to ensure you get the most out of your treatment. Schedule an appointment with us today to learn when to call your care team after a tooth extraction and how we can provide quality dental health solutions for you.

Impacted wisdom teeth are those that become stuck or trapped within the gum tissue and fail to erupt fully. This can lead to various problems if not addressed in a timely manner. The most common symptoms associated with impacted wisdom teeth are pain, which can range from mild to severe depending on the location and severity of the impact. Additionally, food particles and debris may be trapped between the tooth and gum line leading to further irritation, swelling, and risk of infection.

Furthermore, patients may develop periodontal disease due to poor oral hygiene when impacted wisdom teeth make it difficult to brush the area thoroughly. Even partially erupted wisdom teeth are susceptible to decay due to difficulty cleaning the area around them, resulting in an increase in plaque bacteria and acid buildup surrounding the tooth. Lastly, damage can also occur both to nearby teeth as well as bone structures due to pressure from another impacted tooth or lack of access to proper brushing habits. Suppose you suspect that you have an impacted wisdom tooth. In that case, it is important to visit your dentist promptly to evaluate and address any potential issues before they become more serious. During your visit to SmileVibe Dental, we will talk about your options when removing any wisdom teeth that may cause you problems.