Categories: Tooth Extraction

What To Know When Getting a Tooth Extraction

It may be frightening and nerve-wracking to be faced with the prospect of tooth extraction. Read on to learn more about this procedure. Unknown to many, tooth extraction is a common dental procedure, and knowing the process involved can help ease one's fear.

The need for tooth extraction

A filling, crown, or other dental treatment is typically used to restore teeth that have been fractured or damaged. However, if the damage is too severe to be repaired, a dentist may suggest extracting the tooth. Other reasons for a tooth extraction include:

  • Decay or infection that has affected the tooth's core and roots
  • Injury or trauma
  • Overcrowding
  • Preliminary procedure for orthodontic treatment
  • Baby teeth that fail to come out when due
  • Problems with wisdom teeth

Preparing for a tooth extraction

Before tooth extraction, the dentist will go over the patient's medical and dental history and take the necessary x-rays. The x-ray will show the length, form, and location of the tooth and surrounding bone. The dentist may use this information to decide the tooth extraction method, which can be either simple or surgical.

The dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the tooth's region before proceeding with the extraction. The dentist may also use intravenous (IV) anesthesia, which may vary from conscious sedation to general anesthetic, during a more complex extraction, known as a surgical tooth extraction. In this situation, patients need to make arrangements for transport home after the operation and have someone watch them until the effects of the anesthetic have worn off.

The tooth extraction process

A simple extraction is done when the tooth is above the gum and visible. The dentist will numb the tooth and gum tissue and loosen it using an elevator before extracting it with dental forceps.

A surgical extraction is a more complicated procedure for removing a tooth that breaks at the gum line or has not yet erupted. The dental professional will make a tiny incision on the gum and remove the underlying tooth during a surgical extraction.

Following the extraction

After tooth extraction, an essential thing to remember is to keep the area clean and free of infection. Following the treatment, the dentist will provide specific aftercare recommendations. Still, during the first 24 hours after the extraction, patients should avoid smoking, aggressively rinsing the mouth, or brushing around the extraction area.

Some pain and discomfort may occur after the procedure. In certain instances, the dentist may suggest or prescribe a pain reliever. Applying an ice pack to the cheek may help to decrease swelling. Limit vigorous exercise, stay away from hot drinks, and do not drink via a straw. Normally, discomfort should subside within three days to two weeks. If you have persistent or severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or a fever, contact your dental professional at once.

The bottom line

Whether you have undergone the procedure before or this is your first time, the best way to ensure a successful and pain-free operation is to carefully follow your dentist's instructions before and after the procedure. Tooth extraction can help you maintain a healthy, confident smile.

Request an appointment here: https://dentistofmontville.com or call Montville Smiles at (973) 302-2079 for an appointment in our Montville office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Tooth Extraction in Montville, NJ.

 

Recent Posts

Wisdom Teeth Extraction Frequently Asked Questions

If you need to schedule a wisdom teeth extraction, you likely have numerous questions about the procedure and what it entails. We encourage you to schedule a consultation with us to go over the details in person.In the meantime, here is an FAQ with questions that we hear on a regular basis.Most people have a…

3 Different Options For Replacing Missing Teeth

If you are missing teeth, it can be both a cosmetic annoyance and a health issue. Luckily, your dentist can treat this issue and help you regain a beautiful smile. There are various effective solutions you can choose from. Your dentist can discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each of these so you can make…

How An Emergency Dentist Can Help If You Have A Loose Tooth

An emergency dentist can provide the treatment that you need when you find yourself dealing with a loose tooth. A loose tooth is just one step away from falling out of its socket, so it requires emergency dental care.Lost adult teeth that fall out need to be quickly replaced to avoid issues that often come…

When You Need An Emergency Dentist Vs. An Emergency Room

If an individual injures a tooth in an accident, an emergency room will be able to stop the bleeding but will not repair or even possibly be able to save the tooth itself. Therefore, once the individual can return home and leave the emergency room, the patient needs to call an emergency dentist. A dentist…

Montville Smiles

Share
Published by
Montville Smiles

Recent Posts

Can Gum Disease Be Treated at Home?

Gum disease is not a condition you should ever ignore. At the first signs of…

3 weeks ago

How Dental Implants Improve Oral Health and Function

Here are the details on how a dental implant can improve your quality of life.

1 month ago

How a Dentist Treats a Loose Dental Filling

This review discusses how a dentist can treat a loose dental filling, along with insights…

3 months ago

Benefits of General Dentistry Preventive Treatments

Preventive care helps to keep the patient's teeth and gums in good oral health, by…

4 months ago

Why You Should Choose Implant Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are often a go-to choice for people who are missing multiple teeth. If…

5 months ago

3 Reasons Why a Dentist May Recommend a Dental Crown

Think you might need a dental crown? Read on to learn more about this restoration.

6 months ago