At MM Dentistry in Burke, we’ll provide high-quality, comfortable care. We’ll do everything we can to make you as comfortable as possible during a tooth extraction procedure.
Why Get a Tooth Extraction?
In some cases, you may have a tooth that we cannot save by other dental means. Some common reasons for extractions include:
- Tooth decay
If a tooth is decayed, the tooth may need to be extracted or removed.
- Infection
A tooth infection can spread to other parts of the mouth, posing a major health risk. Extractions might be the best option in this situation.
- Tooth affected by trauma
You may require a tooth extraction if your tooth has become loose, cracked, or broken.
- Overcrowded teeth
Erupting teeth can crowd your other teeth and damage your bite or dental health in various ways. Wisdom teeth are an example of teeth that occasionally push into other teeth, even though wisdom teeth sometimes don’t serve a useful purpose.
- Gum disease
You may lose bone and other tissue that supports your teeth when you have gum disease. You may require extraction and replacement of the tooth to address the illness.
- Extraction to make room for implants
If Dr. Ma recommends dental implants (for various reasons, including health or cosmetic concerns), we may need to extract a tooth before implant placement. A new prosthetic tooth can be attached to the implant to replace the extracted tooth.
What is the Tooth Extraction Process?
Dr. Ma will first perform a thorough evaluation of your mouth as part of your consultation. He will review your dental and medical history before the procedure. Let Dr. Ma know if you have any allergies or are taking any medications. Antibiotics might be prescribed before the procedure to prevent infection.
- Local anesthesia will be applied around the tooth extraction area to numb the pain.
- Different amounts of sedation may be administered based on the treatment and the dentist’s suggestions to help you relax.
- We can do the tooth extractions manually or surgically, using specialized tools.
- If the tooth is impacted, we may need to remove the surrounding bone or gum before extracting it.
- Dr. Ma may have you bite down on gauze after the tooth is pulled and may sew the extraction area.
How Painful is a Tooth Extraction Afterwards?
To help you recuperate from the tooth extraction, you may require a few days of relaxation at home. During this stage, your discomfort should not be extreme, and you should begin to feel better shortly. Please keep us up to date on how you’re doing. We may prescribe pain relievers and antibiotics to enhance comfort and avoid infection.
Let Dr. Ma know as soon as possible if you experience:
- Prolonged complications or pain
- Excessive discharge from the spot where the tooth was extracted
- Fever or chills
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
Home Recovery Methods After an Extraction
Apply an ice pack to the area outside the cheek if you experience discomfort or swelling. After a few days, rinse with warm salt water to encourage healing and comfort. While your extraction site heals, you should eat a soft diet.
You can use a variety of techniques to help you stay comfortable.
- Avoid rinsing vigorously
- Avoid using straws
- Brush and floss your untreated teeth as usual, but don’t brush or floss where the extraction site
- Avoid smoking; this can slow healing
How Long Will it Take to Recover?
Around two weeks after the extraction, you should be back to normal and ready for follow-up treatment if necessary. At this time, Dr. Ma may place dental implants to replace the tooth or another procedure to restore a healthy, functional, and attractive smile.
Contact MM Dentistry Today for an Appointment
Our highly-trained and experienced professionals specialize in tooth extraction. Set a time to meet with us, and we’ll show you why tooth extractions are nothing to fear.
Our professional, friendly, and pleasant demeanor will highlight our quality of care. We’ll keep you happy and smiling before, during, and after your treatment.
Contact us today for an appointment.