While wisdom teeth removal is a very common dental procedure, there are other reasons why one would need tooth extractions. From severe damage to decay, tooth extractions can be necessary in order to eliminate bacteria and keep your oral health in good condition. People sometimes refer to tooth extractions as “pulling a tooth”, since it is a procedure in which your tooth is completely removed. The idea of tooth extraction can be intimidating, but it’s actually one of the more standard dental procedures.
The staff at Covington Dental Arts will treat you as if you are one of the family. When you come to our office for a tooth extraction, you can rest assured that you will receive superior care in order to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible.
Reasons For Dental Extractions
There are many cases where a decayed or damaged tooth can be repaired through dental treatments such as fillings or crowns. However, there are times when the damage or decay is too severe to be repaired. In these cases, having your tooth removed will be necessary for your oral health.
Some of the reasons why dental extractions may be necessary include:
- Severe tooth decay
- Fractured teeth
- Impacted teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Trauma or injury
- Your baby teeth didn’t fall out in time for your permanent teeth
- Orthodontic treatment, to create space for teeth to move into place
- Severe gum disease
Types Of Tooth Extractions
There are two types of extractions you can have, simple and surgical.
Simple Extraction
Simple extractions are the removal of teeth that are visible in your mouth and can be pulled out. These extractions are very common and can be done by your dentist. You’ll receive a local anesthetic to numb the area. Your dentist will then use a dental instrument called an elevator to loosen your tooth and then remove it with dental forceps.
Surgical Extraction
Surgical extractions are more complex. These are done for teeth that either have not come in or have been broken at your gum line. While your dentist can do surgical extractions, they’re most commonly performed by oral surgeons. The type of anesthesia you receive depends on your medical conditions. You may either receive a local and intravenous anesthesia in order to numb the area and calm you or a general anesthesia as well, in order to render you unconscious for the procedure.
Your dentist or surgeon will make a small incision into your gum in order to extract your teeth. In some cases, they may cut your tooth or remove the bone around it in order to be able to extract it. Sometimes, your tooth will need to be removed in pieces if it is hard to pull out.
Preparation
Tooth extraction is a very safe procedure, however, it does put you at risk for infection. Prior to your tooth extraction, you will need to inform your dentist of your medical history, any medications or supplements you take, as well as if you have one of the following conditions:
- Liver disease
- Artificial joints
- Impaired immune system
- Damaged/man-made heart valves
- Congenital heart defects
- A history of bacterial endocarditis
In order to reduce your risk of infection, you may have to take antibiotics before and after the procedure. In some cases, you may need to stop taking certain medications, depending on how much teeth or bone needs to be removed.
Aftercare
After having a tooth extracted, proper aftercare is essential in order to heal properly. Your dentist at Covington Dental Arts will advise you on the best steps for you to take, depending on the kind of extraction you had and the location of the tooth. You can expect some pain and discomfort following the procedure. Your dentist may either recommend a pain killer or prescribe you one.
Immediately after the procedure, your dentist may have you bite down on gause to limit bleeding so a blood clot can form. Once it has, it’s important not to disturb or dislodge it, as this will impact your healing process. You will want to avoid vigorous rinsing, smoking, alcohol, and strenuous exercise for the next 72 hours. You can return to your normal dental routine 24 hours after the procedure, but will want to eat soft foods during the first few days of healing.
Most people return to normal within a few days. If you experience continued swelling, heavy bleeding, or severe pain, call our office immediately.
Call Covington Dental Arts For Your Tooth Extraction
If you need a tooth extraction in order to improve your oral health, it’s vital to have it done as soon as possible. There are many reasons why you may need a tooth extraction. If you need a tooth extraction or are questioning whether or not you should have one, the dentists at Covington Dental Arts in Riverton, UT can help. Contact our office to schedule your consultation today!
