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Tooth Extractions

There’s No Need to Be Afraid of Dental Extractions

Every person that fears the dentist probably has tooth extraction at the top of their no-no list. Even people who aren’t overly afraid of the dentist may feel a little queasy about getting a tooth pulled, especially because media often portrays it as a painful, barbaric procedure.

We’re happy to reassure you that getting a tooth pulled is relatively painless. Technology and dentistry have advanced so much! Not only can we extract teeth more easily and less invasively, but we also have treatment options to help your gums heal faster after an extraction.

Fluoride Treatments

Here are some other common reasons why dentists recommend tooth extractions:

  • Overcrowding. Removing teeth in a crowded mouth can ease the pressure on existing teeth and make orthodontic treatments like Invisalign much more effective.
  • Decay. While we will do everything we can to save your tooth before removing it, sometimes the decay is too extensive. We remove teeth that can’t stand on their own with dental restorations like crowns.
  • Injury. If your tooth is cracked, chipped, or badly broken, the best bet may be to remove it. Your tooth is more likely to need removal if the injury is very close to the gums.

 

There are a few different kinds of extractions, and anything more than a simple extraction may be best left to our oral surgery team. Simple extractions involve local anesthetic and the use of specialized tools to loosen and lift the tooth from the gums. Sometimes, teeth need a little bit more care and attention before they can be removed, including your wisdom teeth.

Whichever form of extraction you’re up for, there are a few common concerns in recovering patients. Our dentist can give you the details on common side effects and the proper aftercare.

Complications of Tooth Extractions

Extractions are a form of oral surgery, so some patients do experience side effects after the procedure. Here are some of the more common side effects and what to watch out for:

  • Dry socket. After an extraction, your gums form a protective hematoma. If this blood clot dislodges, the socket becomes exposed to infection. The nerves are often very sensitive, so the pain can be intense. Dry socket is considered a dental emergency, so visit our office for same-day treatment if it occurs.
  • Bruising, bleeding, and swelling. These are fairly normal side effects. If these symptoms are interfering with your everyday life, visit your dentist to make sure the healing is progressing as it should.
  • Pain and tenderness. While tenderness is somewhat common, it shouldn’t be severe, nor should it last for more than a few days. Schedule a same-day visit if you’re experiencing severe pain after an extraction.
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