While most patients are mainly familiar with wisdom tooth extractions, it is also prevalent for other tooth extractions. At North Auburn Dentistry, we recognize that there is sometimes a need for an extraction to maintain the overall health of your teeth. In most cases, we extract teeth to prevent disease or decay from spreading to surrounding teeth and for restorative procedures.
Main Reasons for Tooth Extractions
There are quite a few reasons why we might extract a tooth or multiple teeth. For all Auburn, California residents, we make sure to review all other possible restorative options before turning to dental extraction. Below we have listed some instances where tooth extraction is needed:
- Excessive tooth decay that has spread to most of the outer and inner portion of the tooth can lead to an extraction. Procedures such as root canals and dental crowns could be utilized if possible, but extraction is the best option if decay has spread far and wide.
- Tooth crowding is very common because there is not enough room in the mouth for all teeth to coexist healthily. In this case, you may need an extraction to improve oral health and smile appearance.
- Severe tooth infection such as an abscessed tooth is a common reason for tooth extraction due to the tooth being beyond repair.
- Teeth can break due to a blow to the face or other trauma. An extraction can be completed if your dentist cannot save the natural teeth and other restorative procedures are out of the question.
Extraction Procedure
If Dr. Brandon Dever recommends that an extraction is the best option for your oral health, either an extraction will take place the same day, or a team member will schedule an appointment. Your tooth extraction will either be simple or surgical.
Simple Extraction: During these extractions, you will feel some pressure but no pain due to the local anesthetic we will administer. An elevator, a dental instrument, will be used to loosen the tooth from its socket, and then the tooth will be removed using forceps.
Surgical Extraction: You’ll probably have both local and intravenous anesthetics, the latter of which will make you feel peaceful and comfortable. Depending on your medical history, you may also be given general anesthesia. You will be completely unconscious during the surgery if you have general anesthesia.
Dr. Dever will make a small incision into your gums. Before he can retrieve your tooth, he may need to remove bone around it or cut it. We will ensure that you feel no pain and are comfortable throughout the procedure.
Post-Procedure
After having a tooth extracted, it is common for patients to experience some achy pains, facial swelling, and possible minor bleeding. It usually only takes a patient, on average, a few days to recover from extractions. Below are some tips for post-surgery care and pain relief:
- Use an ice pack on your face for 10-minute increments to reduce swelling.
- Take any prescribed medications and over-the-counter medications correctly.
- Once we extract your tooth, we will place gauze in the socket to aid blood clotting and reduce bleeding. Continue biting down on the gauze for 3-4 hours after the extraction.
- Brush and floss your teeth as you did before the procedure, but do your best to avoid the extraction site.
- Avoid using a straw for at least 24 hours.
Due For a Cleaning and Exam?
One of the main ways to avoid extractions and determine whether you need a tooth extraction is to stay up to date with your routine cleanings and exams. If you are in the Auburn, California, area and need a dental appointment, please call North Auburn Dentistry.