Reasons for Tooth Extraction
At Corner Stone Dental, our dentists will do everything we can to save your tooth before recommending extraction. We try to maintain all your natural teeth because they’re the best teeth you’ll get. But sometimes, removing a problematic tooth is the right option for your oral health.
Some of the reasons you may require extraction include:
- Extensive decay
- Extra teeth that are crowding your mouth
- Periodontal disease
- To prepare your smile for braces
- Cracked or broken teeth
All of your teeth are important to the appearance and structure of your smile. If extraction becomes necessary, our dentists will go over your replacement options with you. We can provide comfortable restorations such as dental implants, which are custom-made to match your smile.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom teeth are the final teeth in your mouth to grow in, often in the late teens and early adulthood. They’re the third set of molars in a complete set of adult teeth, located at the back corners of your smile.
Many patients lack room in their mouths to accommodate their wisdom teeth, and this can lead to complications. Wisdom teeth often crowd the patient’s smile, causing pain, infection, and broken teeth. If a wisdom tooth doesn’t have enough room to emerge from your gums, it can become impacted, which means it’s stuck below the gum level.
Impacted wisdom teeth will not get better on their own. They lead to several complications including swelling, tenderness, infection, and bad breath. Fortunately, Dr. Wilson or Dr. Banker can easily remove your wisdom teeth before they become a problem. And we’ll use dental sedation to make the process as pleasant as possible.
Emergency Tooth Extraction
Emergencies, especially those involving your mouth, can leave you feeling upset and disoriented. In these situations, it’s important to take the right steps so we can help you. If you know you’re having an oral health emergency, call our office immediately at (618) 236-0501.
If your dental emergency occurs during our regular operating hours, we’ll fit you in for an appointment as soon as possible. And even if it’s after hours, there will be someone on call to assist you.
The Extraction Process
Before beginning the extraction process, our dentist will take x-rays of the tooth or teeth in question to determine the best course of action. Next, you’ll be given a local anesthetic to prevent pain during the procedure.
Though tooth extraction can be intimidating, it’s a routine procedure. But we do offer sedation for patients who want to feel more relaxed and comfortable during their extraction.
If you’re feeling sick during the week before or on the day of your scheduled extraction, please contact our office by calling (618) 236-0501. We may have to make alternative arrangements.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
After your extraction, we’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions. Following these directions will help prevent complications and speed up the healing process. Basic care instructions include:
- Rest for 24 hours after your extraction and take it easy for the next few days.
- Avoid smoking, as it can increase your risk of complications.
- Try not to lay flat to shorten your healing time.
- Apply an ice bag for 10 minutes at a time to reduce pain and swelling.
- Use pain medication according to your dentist’s instructions.
- Avoid the extraction site when brushing and flossing.
- Leave the gauze in place for several hours after your extraction.
- Don’t rinse, spit, or use a straw for 24 hours after the procedure.
Keep Us Informed About How You’re Doing
You’ll want to rest and take it easy for a while following extraction. If you notice any complications such as excessive pain, call our Swansea dental office right away at (618) 236-0501 and we’ll make sure you get the appropriate care.
Dry Socket
After your tooth is removed, its empty socket will form a blood clot to protect the sensitive areas beneath your gums. If this clot is compromised, a serious condition called dry socket can occur.
If you feel severe pain within three days of your procedure and you can see the bone in your extraction site, you could be suffering from a dry socket. You may also notice an unpleasant taste in your mouth. If so, give us a call at Corner Stone Dental right away so we can address the situation.
Infection
Following your aftercare instructions will help you avoid infection. Symptoms of an infection include bad breath, a bitter taste in your mouth, fever, pain, tooth sensitivity, and swelling. Contact our office right away if you notice these symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tooth extractions usually take about 20 to 40 minutes to complete. However, some factors influence how long your extraction will take, such as how many teeth you’re having removed, their location, and the complexity of the removal.
After an extraction, it’s best to wait as long as possible to resume smoking as it can increase your risk of dry socket and infections. If you can wait 72 hours to smoke, your risk of complications will be reduced.
The amount of time it takes can vary depending on your situation, but full recovery normally takes about seven to ten days. Most patients return to their daily lives within a few days. It’s best to take a few days to rest after your extraction so your body can focus its energy on healing.
If your extraction site is infected, contact our office at (618) 236-0501 so we can help you. Our dentist will see you right away. We can prescribe antibiotics and provide additional forms of treatment.
You may feel some pain as your mouth heals, but it’s manageable with pain medication and other remedies. But if you experience significant pain or bleeding, there may be a complication with your extraction site, and you should call our office at Corner Stone Dental right away.