6 Things to Know About Getting a Dental Extraction

Tooth extraction is the process of surgically removing a tooth from its socket. An extraction can either be a simple or surgical extraction. Most people may not find tooth extraction enticing, as it may be a nerve-wracking process for others. Fortunately, the good thing is that dentists perform millions of extraction every year. And these procedures are smooth, quick and are the best option for having long-term oral health.

So, if your dentist mentions extraction during one of your dental visits, you do not need to panic. Instead, do not give it much thinking and take heart as your dentist has probably done many similar procedures already. Here are some of the things to be aware of on dental extraction that you should be aware of before visiting a dentist near you for one.

1. Sometimes, Extraction is the Only Option

Before having an extraction, your dentist at WestBay Dental first looks at any option to keep your natural tooth in place. But sometimes, having your teeth extracted is the only option to maintain good oral health.

A tooth extraction might be necessary under the following circumstances, advanced stages of periodontal disease or severe decay, impaction, malformations, or a trauma to your teeth that makes the tooth unsalvageable. Tooth extraction may also be done to make space for dental implants, orthodontics, or to fit dentures.

2. Extractions Can be Simple or A Little More Complicated

The type of oral health problem will determine whether your extraction will be simple or a bit more involved.

For instance, someone with a fully erupted tooth with a single crack near the top can expect a fairly simple procedure where the dentist will loosen the tooth and remove it using a pair of forceps.

On the other hand, if someone has an un-erupted tooth broken near the gum line, the dentist has to do a more complex extraction by first removing some of the bone near the tooth and inserting stitches after the procedure.

When you visit your dentist for a dental extraction near you, they will discuss both options with you and what to expect during the procedure.

3. Expect Some Common Protocols Before The Procedure

Before the extraction procedure, some protocols have to be done by your dentist at the dental office near you and include:

• The dentist will conduct a physical exam and ask about your medical history. This is done to ensure that you do not have any oral health issues that may make you susceptible to infection. These may include liver disease, an impaired immune system, or congenital heart defects.
• X-rays are taken to help your dentist determine the approach they can use to remove your teeth.
• It is also important to plan to enlist a family member or a friend to drive you home after the dental extraction
• It’s important to follow aftercare instructions

4. You Will Be Numbed up For The Procedure

No matter the kind of extraction that you will have, the whole process is quite similar:

• The dentist will use anesthesia to numb you up during the pr9ocedure. For a simple extraction, Dr. Birch will administer local anesthesia via a needle. On the other hand, in a surgical extraction, your dentist may use general anesthesia. The anesthesia is meant to help you feel calm and prevent you from experiencing pain during the procedure.
• As mentioned above, the dentist will then loosen your tooth and remove it using forceps or remove the bone holding the tooth.
• Your dentist in Tampa will then clean the empty tooth socket after the tooth is extracted. In some cases, they may have to place a few stitches to help the extraction site heal effectively. After which, the dentist has to pack the empty socket with gauze to absorb the bleeding.

5. It’s Important to Follow Aftercare Instructions

Adhering to the aftercare guidelines given by your dentist helps speed up the recovery process and may reduce the risk of developing issues such as a dry socket. The recovery process may take one week for a simple extraction and several weeks for a more complicated procedure.

6. You May Choose to Replace the Extracted Tooth

Depending on which of your teeth was removed, your dentist may recommend some replacement options. The most common options may include dentures, bridges, or dental implants.