6 Things to Know About Undergoing a Dental Extraction
Everyone has anxiety over a tooth extraction procedure. However, at times it remains to be the last resort. Our dentist in Tampa has apt knowledge in dental extraction and recommends you undergo the process if your dental health is at stake. Bacterial infections, traumatic injuries, and impacted wisdom teeth may compel you to undergo tooth removal. This article provides you with several facts about dental extraction.
1. Sometimes, Extraction Really Is the Only Option
At Dental offices in Tampa, FL, our specialists prioritize saving your natural tooth from permanent loss. However, dental extraction remains the only ideal option for maintaining your dental health if your tooth is damaged or severely infected beyond repair. Several reasons may compel your dentist to pull out your tooth, including:
- Creating space for orthodontic work like dentures or braces
- Severe decay or infection on your tooth
- Periodontal disease
- Teeth damage after a facial or mouth traumatic injury
- Overcrowded teeth that cause gum soreness and difficulty while eating
- Failure of the primary teeth to fall out in due time to create space for the development of permanent teeth
- Certain medication that destroys your teeth
- Impacted, infected and painful wisdom teeth that lead to the development and spread of cyst
2. Extractions May Be Simple or A Little More Complicated
A dental extraction may be simple or surgical based on the condition of your affected tooth. Our dentist in Carrollwood performs a simple procedure if the tooth is fully erupted and has minor issues like cracks or chips. A simple dental procedure is non-invasive, involving loosening the tooth and removing it using forceps.
However, our oral surgeon might attend to your case with an impacted wisdom tooth since a portion of your bone might be extracted. Additionally, a surgical procedure involves invasive insertion and stitches to facilitate healing. After your examination, your specialist will guide you on what to expect during the process. Finally, sedation dentistry may be paramount during a surgical dental extraction.
3. Expect Some Common Protocols Prior To The Procedure
Here’s what you should expect during a tooth extraction appointment:
- Your dentist in Carrollwood will evaluate your medical history to ensure you have no underlying health issues that may trigger more risks. Some health conditions may be life-threatening, including congenital heart defects, impaired immune system, or liver disease. Your specialist may recommend you take antibiotics before a dental extraction procedure to minimize the risk of infection.
- Secondly, your specialist will take X-rays to look closely at your dental status and find the ideal option for extracting your tooth.
- If you are to undergo a surgical dental extraction, you’ll need to follow all instructions provided by your dentist for a quick healing process.
4. You’ll Be Numbed Up for The Procedure
Tampa tooth extraction procedures utilize sedation dentistry techniques before your procedure. A local anesthetic is administered for a simple dental extraction, and a surgical procedure requires general anesthesia. Oral sedation alleviates pain throughout your procedure and lowers your anxiety.
We recommend you consult your specialist on the ideal sedation type beforehand. After tooth extraction, the empty socket is disinfected, stitches are placed on healing, and gauze may be used to allow blood clotting.
5. It’s Important to Follow After-Care Instructions
You need to follow all the aftercare tips provided by your dentist in Carrollwood to enhance the healing of the empty socket. You’ll likely experience some discomfort that gradually fades with the healing process. Here are vital tips you need to follow after dental extraction:
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption
- We may recommend you pain relievers at our dental offices in Tampa, FL
- Place gauze on the socket to prevent bleeding
- Rinse after one day with salt water
- Avoid strenuous exercises for about a week
6. You Might Choose to Replace the Extracted Tooth
After your tooth has been pulled out, there’s a need to undergo a suitable replacement. At Carrollwood Dental Studio, we utilize various prosthetics, including dental bridges and dentures. However, if your bone mass is adequate, you can have a dental implant. Failure to replace your missing tooth may lead to gum and bone tissue recession. However, you shouldn’t hesitate to undergo a dental extraction today.