Tooth Extractions: Everything You Need to Know

Tooth Extractions: Everything You Need to Know

Sep 01, 2022

What is Tooth Extraction?

Extraction is usually done by a dentist, oral surgeon, or periodontist. Tooth extractions are performed for various reasons, including tooth decay, gum disease, tooth fracture, and orthodontic reasons.

How is Tooth Extraction Done?

The dentist in Tampa can perform either a simple or surgical procedure, depending on the location and the visibility of the tooth.

Simple tooth extraction is done on the teeth that lie above the gums and is easily accessible. The dentist uses an elevator and forceps to loosen the tooth and remove it. Surgical tooth removal is done for impacted teeth, requiring cutting through the gums to access the teeth.

How Can You Prepare for a Dental Extraction Procedure?

You should avoid eating anything for 12 hours before the surgery. This can assist with nausea throughout and after the operation. If you are receiving a local anesthetic, you may not need to fast as long; be sure to inquire before the treatment. Inquire about whether or not you will need to fast if you have a pre-existing condition that prevents you from fast recovery. You should inform your dentist in Carrollwood if you have conditions like diabetes.

It’s also crucial to recall that you cannot smoke for 12 hours before or 24 hours after the surgery. Smoking during the healing process might cause it to take longer and put you at greater risk of the dry socket, a serious illness that must be treated immediately.

What Happens On the Day of the Dental Extraction Procedure?

Dr. Allan Fallah will thoroughly examine your medical and dental history and take x-rays before pulling a tooth. X-rays reveal the length, form, and position of the tooth and the bone surrounding it. Based on this data, your dentist can determine whether to remove the tooth in your mouth or refer you to an oral surgeon.

The dentist numbs the area surrounding your tooth. However, if the extraction is more complicated, called a surgical extraction, your oral surgeon might administer intravenous (IV) anesthesia that can put you to sleep. If this is the case, make arrangements for someone to drive you home after the procedure.

How is a Tooth Extracted?

The Tampa tooth extraction process begins with numbing the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. Your dentist will then use special dental instruments to loosen the tooth and remove it from the socket. The dentist can also cut through the gums, cut the teeth into pieces and remove them. He will also stitch the gums to facilitate healing.

Your dentist will provide aftercare instructions. These may include:

  • Biting on a gauze pad for 20-30 minutes to help stop the bleeding
  • Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water several times a day
  • Taking over-the-counter pain medication as needed
  • Apply an ice pack to your cheek for 20 minutes.
  • Eating soft foods for a few days.
  • Avoid smoking or using straws for at least 24 hours to prevent dry socket (a painful condition where the blood clot that forms in the tooth socket after an extraction dissolves).
  • Avoid eating spicy, hot, or hard foods during healing.

What is the Recovery of Tooth Extraction?

Most people feel discomfort after having a tooth extracted, but this is usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. It’s important to take it easy for the first 24 hours after the procedure and avoid drinking from straws, smoking, or eating hard or crunchy foods. These activities can disrupt the blood clot in the extraction site and lead to more discomfort and bleeding.

The majority of people heal completely within a week. However, it’s not uncommon to experience minor complications, such as dry socket (when the blood clot doesn’t form properly) or infection. If you have concerns about recovery after tooth extraction, ask your dentist or oral surgeon.

Schedule an Appointment

Call or visit Carrollwood Dental Studio for more information about tooth extraction and what you can expect.

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