What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction
If your dentist in Virginia has recommended the removal of a tooth, you may have concerns about pain or about your appearance after the extraction is complete. Discussing these fears with your dentist can often help you get the treatment you need in a way that works for you. Here are some of the basics of dental extractions to help you prepare for these common procedures.
Why Teeth Are Extracted
Because your natural teeth are much sturdier and more stable than bridges, dentures or implants, your dentist will typically make every possible effort to save your teeth and to protect them from further damage. If a tooth is no longer viable because of severe damage, breakage, decay, or bone loss in the jaw, your dentist may recommend an extraction. This procedure can usually be performed in your local dental office in Virginia. In some complicated cases, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon to ensure the safest procedure and the best possible results.
Two Types of Extractions
Most extractions can be divided into two categories:
- Simple extractions are performed by a general dentist in your regular dental office. These procedures require the use of forceps and other tools to loosen and remove the tooth. You will usually be administered local anesthetic injections to relieve pain during these procedures.
- Complex extractions may require oral surgery. In these cases, your dentist will usually administer some form of sedation before removing the tooth. You may be able to request general anesthesia, which renders you unconscious during the procedure. Your dentist will let you know if your extraction can be performed in the office or if you will need to see a specialist to resolve your dental issues.
Wisdom teeth may require either a simple extraction or an oral surgery procedure. Not all wisdom teeth must be removed. Your dentist in Virginia will provide you with expert guidance that can help you decide about whether your wisdom teeth require extraction or whether you can retain these teeth for a few years or for a lifetime.
Discussing Your Preferences
Your dentist will typically ask you about what type of sedation you prefer and what plans you have for replacing your tooth after the extraction. If you need implants, your dentist can help you determine the most cost-effective process for implanting these dental devices during or after your extraction. Patients with dental anxiety can sometimes benefit from general anesthesia or sedation dentistry, which can take some of the stress and worry out of the process for you. Making sure your dentist in Virginia understands your concerns and your wishes can help you to feel more comfortable and confident in the leadup to your procedure.
What to Tell Your Dentist
Certain medications or physical conditions can affect the success of your dental procedures. Be sure to tell your dentist if you have any of the following conditions:
- Disorders that require blood thinners
- A personal history of bacterial endocarditis
- Artificial joints or heart valves
- A suppressed immune system
- Diseases of the liver, thyroid and other organs
Your dentist will work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you or your family members. A course of antibiotics may be required before your procedure to reduce the levels of bacteria in your mouth and to prevent infections from spreading as a result of your extraction.
The Extraction Process
Depending on the complexity of the procedure, your extraction may take as little as an hour or as long as several hours. You will need to allow more time for oral surgery procedures and for sedation dentistry extractions. If you receive local anesthetic through an injection, you may experience pressure or mild discomfort during a simple extraction. This occurs because the dentist is pulling against the jaw to remove the tooth in one or more pieces. Oral surgery extractions usually are done under sedation. If you feel excessive pain during either type of procedure, however, you should take steps to let your dental team know so that you can be made more comfortable during your extraction.
How to Care for Your Teeth After an Extraction
In most cases, your dentist will provide you with a detailed list of instructions on how to navigate your recovery. This list will typically include the following tips:
- Avoid rinsing your mouth, applying suction to the extraction site or drinking from a straw for at least a full day after your procedure.
- Your dentist will apply a gauze pad to the site to help soak up any blood. Continue to bite down on this gauze pad for three to four hours to help the clot form and to ensure faster healing.
- Stick to a soft diet of soups, applesauce and other liquid and soft foods for a few days after the extraction. As your mouth and gums heal, however, you can gradually introduce other foods as long as they are comfortable to chew.
- Be careful not to brush or floss directly on the extraction site when cleaning and caring for your other teeth.
- You can use ice, over-the-counter pain medications and other drugs prescribed by your dentist to relieve pain and swelling after your extraction is complete.
Be sure to watch for warning signs of infection or other complications, including the following symptoms:
- Fever and chills
- Vomiting or nausea
- Chest pains, excessive or atypical coughing and shortness of breath
- Swelling or redness at the site of the extraction after the first 24 hours
- Severe pain or bleeding four hours or more after the procedure
Your dentist is the best source of guidance and support for all your dental health needs. By working with a trusted dental office in Virginia, you can enjoy brighter smiles now and for the future.
