Tooth Extraction
Dentist Swansboro, NC
 Dental extractions are a standard dental procedure that many people will need at some point in their life, and they can be done either in the office or in an emergency room here at Swansboro Family Dentistry. It is crucial to understand how these procedures work and what you should expect when it comes time for your extraction. Here we will go over what happens during a typical extraction process, anesthesia options, post-procedure care instructions, and more!
What is a dental extraction and what does it involve?
A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth. There are essentially two types of extractions, single root, and multiple roots. A single-root extraction removes one large tooth, while multiple root extractions remove several teeth close to each other (typically referred to as wisdom teeth). The reason for removing these specific types of teeth depends on what type your dentist recommends based on their overall health and location within your mouth. During an extraction process, patients will feel localized pressure but little or no pain because they have been given some form of anesthesia that allows them to be comfortable during the procedure itself.
There are also different extractions, such as impact, either partially buried or entirely covered by gum tissue; extraoral, where the tooth is located outside the mouth; and intraoral, where it is deeply buried within your jaw. In cases of impacted teeth, a dentist will often need to use specialized instruments designed for removing these types of tooth roots to do so safely without causing damage or other problems along the way.
When should you have a tooth extracted?
There are several reasons why we may recommend getting an extraction. The first is if they feel the tooth has become too damaged to be saved through other means, such as root canal therapy or filling it instead of just removing it completely. There are also cases where teeth have shifted into abnormal positions due to genetic factors and/or trauma. This makes them difficult for patients to clean around with their regular brushing routine properly - this can lead to increased risk for gum disease, cavities, bone loss, and bad breath over time, so your dentist will likely advise you on whether an extraction would be beneficial in these circumstances as well!
Oral hygiene after the extraction procedure
It is imperative to keep a close eye on your oral hygiene after having an extraction. This means brushing and flossing regularly, using a mouth rinse as directed by your dentist, and avoiding hard or sticky foods that can get lodged in the empty socket and cause discomfort or infection. Depending on the type of anesthesia used during the procedure, you may also experience some minor drooling which is why it's helpful to have plenty of napkins or a bib on hand for the first few days post-op.
If any bleeding does occur, we recommend biting down on a gauze pad placed over the extraction site for 30 minutes at a time - if this doesn't stop the bleeding after two hours, then come and see us.
Swansboro Family Dentistry can help you with any questions or concerns about dental extractions. It's important to understand the process of tooth extraction, what is involved in it and how long it will take to plan accordingly for your oral health needs. Contact us today at 910-421-3022; we'll be glad to assist in any way we can. |
