Extractions

A dental extraction involves removing a tooth from its place in the jaw bone. Extractions are done in dental offices by either the dentist or a dental surgeon and are usually performed under local or general anesthesia. A dental extraction is recommended when tooth decay is severe and nothing can be done to save the tooth, or when the tooth is infected or vulnerable to infection.

Types of Tooth Extractions

There are two types of tooth extractions: simple and surgical.  During a simple extraction, the dentist will use elevators or/and forceps to remove the tooth completely. In more complicated cases, the dentist has to perform surgical extraction, in which the tooth is removed in pieces for your comfort. A simple extraction or surgical extraction is performed under either local anesthesia or general anesthesia depending on your comfort level.

Post Extraction Care

After the tooth extraction, it is necessary to follow the dentist’s instructions. There are few rules that each patient must apply after such a procedure:

  • Take painkillers and antibiotics as prescribed

  • Do not smoke or reduce the number of cigarettes as possible as it may inhibit healing

  • Refrain from spitting, rinse forcefully or drink with a straw in the first 24 hours to avoid dislocating the blood clot formed in the socket

  • Eat mainly soft food after the procedure. Introduce solid food gradually and avoid biting and chewing on the extraction site

  • Follow normal dental hygiene procedures carefully to prevent infection. Avoid crushing too vigorously near the extraction area to avoid irritation.

  • Rest for the day or until the anesthetic fades off

A tooth extraction should not be painful, and if the patient experiences pain during the procedure, the patient should let the dentist or the assistant know so adjustments can be made. If the patient experiences severe pain and bleeding that does not stop after the first 24 hours from the procedure, contact our office for further instructions. If you are in need of a dental extraction, call our office today to schedule an appointment.