Most people get nervous when they hear they have to get a tooth extracted from the socket of the jawbone. While this might seem daunting, it is a common dental procedure that is performed for many. At Stansell Dentistry Associates, our goal is to ensure your comfort as you prepare for your upcoming tooth extraction procedure.When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?
There are several cases when our dentists may suggest a tooth extraction. While pulling a tooth is not the first option a dentist recommends in most cases, it may be necessary when a tooth has taken too much damage. A tooth extraction might be necessary when extra teeth block other teeth from coming in. Similarly, if braces are necessary, teeth may be extracted to help create room for the remainder of the teeth. Your tooth may have developed too much decay that has reached too deep into your tooth to salvage. Serious infection is another likely cause of a tooth extraction if it destroys too much of your tooth and surrounding bone.
Simple and Surgical Extraction Procedures
The two types of tooth extraction procedures are simple extraction and surgical extraction. The type of extraction you need will depend on whether the tooth is visible and how impacted it is by damage and decay Simple tooth extractions are the easiest of the two routines since it involves the least invasive surgery. If your tooth is minimally impacted, your dentist will recommend this procedure. A simple extraction requires a local anesthetic to numb the area. You will not feel pain during this procedure, only pressure. Using a tool called an elevator, your dentist will loosen the tooth to make it pliable. Once it has been loosened enough, forceps will be used to completely remove the tooth from the socket.
If your tooth has long-lasting damage, a simple extraction will likely be ineffective. In cases such as these, your dentist will recommend a surgical extraction. You will be administered two types of anesthetic for this procedure. A local anesthetic is used to eliminate any pain from the procedure while an intravenous anesthetic is used to help you stay relaxed and calm during the procedure. If you suffer from any medical conditions, you may be required to undergo general anesthetic, so you are completely unconscious during the procedure. A surgical extraction requires your dentist to make a small incision in your gums to gain access to the bone and tooth. The bone around the tooth is then either cut or removed, where the tooth is then removed directly from its root.
Tooth Extraction Risks
While there are a few risks with tooth extraction, you may experience a few minor complications. During the surgery, your body should naturally cause a blood clot in the socket after removal. However, there are cases where the blood clot dislodges or never forms, causing the bone to be exposed. This is often referred to as a dry socket. A sedative dressing will be placed over the wound to help a new blood clot form. You will have to come back for another visit to get the dressing removed after a few days. Other minor complications include coughing, nausea, prolonged bleeding, swelling, and redness around the extracted tooth and severe chills and possible fever.
FAQs
When is a tooth extraction necessary?
A tooth extraction may be necessary in cases where a tooth is severely damaged or decayed, has an infection that affects surrounding bone, blocks other teeth from coming in, or requires removal to create space for braces or orthodontic treatments.
What is the difference between a simple and surgical tooth extraction?
A simple extraction involves removing a visible tooth with minimal impact using local anesthesia. A surgical extraction is more complex, involving an incision in the gums to access and remove a tooth that is impacted or severely damaged, often using additional anesthesia for comfort.
What can I expect during a tooth extraction procedure?
During a simple extraction, local anesthesia is used to numb the area, and tools like an elevator and forceps are used to loosen and remove the tooth. For a surgical extraction, additional anesthesia is provided, and the dentist may make an incision in the gums and remove bone to extract the tooth from its root.
What are the risks of a tooth extraction?
Risks include dry socket (when a blood clot doesn't form or dislodges, exposing the bone), minor complications such as prolonged bleeding, swelling, and redness, or less common issues like chills and fever. Your dentist will provide post-operative care instructions to minimize risks.
How can I prevent a dry socket after a tooth extraction?
To prevent a dry socket, avoid drinking through straws, smoking, or vigorous rinsing in the first 24–48 hours after the procedure. Follow your dentist’s instructions for aftercare to promote healing and protect the extraction site.
How do I care for the extraction site after the procedure?
After a tooth extraction, keep the area clean by gently rinsing with warm salt water starting 24 hours after the procedure. Avoid hard or crunchy foods, and follow any prescribed medication regimen. Regular follow-up visits ensure proper healing.
Contact Us Today!
If you require a tooth extraction, Stansell Dentistry Associates wants to provide you with the best experience. Contact us today at 984-477-0177 to schedule an appointment.