How many tooth extractions does a family dentist in Raleigh perform daily? Dozens! It’s ironic because we’ve been told that a dentist’s job is to save your tooth and not remove it. Although dentists strive to preserve as many of your natural teeth as possible, there are instances where the only way to restore your oral health is to remove a badly decayed or infected tooth.
Sometimes your orthodontist would require a tooth extraction to allow the rest of your teeth to align properly. An impacted wisdom tooth that’s causing pain may also require an extraction.
The procedure may seem unpleasant, but if your dentist believes that it’s the best way to protect your oral health, trust that it’s for your good. Tooth extraction can help improve oral health, relieve pain, and protect you against future dental issues.
Preparing for a Tooth Extraction
What Is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is a procedure that involves removing your tooth. The following are some of the reasons why it may be needed:
- Preparing for a dental prosthesis
- Baby teeth are not falling out
- Wisdom teeth complications
- Injury to the tooth
- Dental infection
- Gum disease
What Are the Different Types of Tooth Extractions?
The type of extraction you’ll need will depend on your tooth’s location, position, size, and shape. In general, there are two types of extractions – simple and surgical. A simple extraction is done when the tooth is visible and is found above the gum line. In a simple extraction, your tooth is intact and removed in one piece.
A surgical extraction is recommended for more complex cases. It involves the removal of gum and bone tissues. Usually, the tooth is removed little by little in tiny fragments. A wisdom tooth that erupts late may also require extraction, especially if impacted.
How Do You Prepare for a Tooth Extraction?
Consultation
An initial consultation is needed before the procedure. Your dentist will assess your tooth and decide if part of the treatment plan includes tooth removal. During the consultation, your family dentist will ask you about your medical history. You’ll also be asked to enumerate your current medications. Some patients are advised to stop taking certain meds days before the surgery.
Stop Taking Blood Thinners
Patients taking blood thinners will be advised to stop taking them as these meds prevent the formation of blood clots. If you continue to take blood thinners, you’ll be prone to bleeding during the surgery.
If bleeding occurs, your dentist will use a topical clotting medication on your gums, stitch the site, or pack the socket with dissolvable gauze. Applying a piece of gauze over the area after the extraction can also help control the bleeding. If you are taking blood thinners as part of your maintenance, make sure you let your family dentist know about it during the consultation.
Take Antibiotics
There are cases wherein your family dentist will prescribe antibiotics before the extraction. One example is treating a dental infection, especially if you have other accompanying symptoms like swelling, malaise, and fever. Patients who experience tooth pain but without swelling may not need antibiotics.
When prescribed antibiotics, make sure you take them as directed by your family dentist. Patients with a high risk of infective endocarditis are often required to take these medications because they are more susceptible to acquiring infection after dental surgery.
Anesthesia During Surgery
A local anesthetic is administered near the extraction site to numb the area. The anesthesia helps keep you comfortable and relaxed during the procedure. You can expect the numbness to continue for several hours even after surgery. Patients with anxiety can request a sedative to keep them calm. Some sedatives offered include general anesthesia, IV sedation, oral sedation, and nitrous oxide.
What Should You Expect During the Procedure?
Before the start of the procedure, your dentist will obtain an X-ray of your tooth to check the angle and curvature of the tooth root. Next, local anesthesia is administered to numb the site. Your dentist will start the extraction process when the meds have already kicked in. If the tooth is hiding under the gums or bone, an incision is made to access the tooth.
You will not feel any pain because of the anesthesia, but you will feel the pressure against your tooth. It’s also normal to hear a cracking or grinding sound. After the tooth has been extracted, your family dentist will apply a layer of gauze over your tooth to stop the bleeding. Additional stitches may also be done.
Consult With a Trusted Family Dentist in Raleigh Today!
Not sure if you need a tooth extraction? At Tyron Family Dentistry, our experienced family dentist can assess your tooth and determine if a tooth extraction is the best course of action. We offer a wide range of restorative dental treatments to help improve your oral health. Contact us today for an appointment.
