As dentists, we’d love to avoid performing extractions as much as possible by emphasizing prevention and early detection of oral health problems so they can be treated promptly and less invasively.
However, the truth is, extractions are a necessary evil. We want to avoid them because your teeth are important and play an important role in your oral health and development. Without your teeth, small daily functions like speaking and eating become much more difficult, and even bigger consequences like irreversible bone loss are unavoidable without replacing teeth with dental implants.
However, some teeth are so damaged, decayed, loose, or otherwise unhealthy that they can’t be restored and the best way to move forward is to remove this tooth and replace it. Extractions are necessary for an array of reasons, including tooth decay, gum disease, infection, impaction, dental trauma, overcrowding, or to make room for orthodontic treatment.
We will always exhaust all other restorative options first before resorting to the removal of a tooth. Contact us at TJ O'Shea DMD today to schedule a consultation.
Most basic tooth extractions fully heal within 3 to 4 weeks.
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Our Roswell dentist will examine your tooth and take x-rays to assess the severity of any damage or oral health problems. Digital scans will also help us analyze its position and whether or not it can be simply removed.
To make the process more comfortable for you, Dr. O’Shea always administers numbing agents to make the procedure feel as comfortable as possible.
Before we can remove the tooth, we need to loosen it. This is done with a dental elevator. By rocking the tooth around, we separate the tooth from the ligaments that are securing it in place. This will free the tooth from its roots.
Once the tooth has been loosened, forceps are used to remove it from the socket.
We will thoroughly disinfect the socket and place gauze to stop any bleeding. You will be instructed to bite down on these for 30 to 60 minutes to encourage blood clotting. Dr. O’Shea will provide you with aftercare instructions for the next week.
Dry socket is a condition that occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site becomes dislodged or dissolves prematurely, exposing the underlying bone and nerves. This can lead to severe pain and delayed healing. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to minimize the risk of developing dry socket.
Firstly, avoid smoking or using tobacco products for at least 48 hours after the extraction, as the chemicals in tobacco can interfere with healing. Additionally, refrain from using straws or engaging in vigorous rinsing, as these actions can dislodge the clot. It's also advisable to stick to a soft-food diet and avoid hot or spicy foods that could irritate the extraction site.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential, but be gentle around the extraction area. You can rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution after 24 hours to keep the area clean. If you experience any unusual pain or suspect dry socket, contact your dentist promptly for evaluation and treatment. By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering this painful complication.
After a tooth extraction, your dentist will typically place a piece of gauze over the extraction site to help control bleeding and promote clot formation. It's common to change the gauze every 30 to 45 minutes, or as directed by your dentist, until the bleeding subsides. In most cases, you can expect the bleeding to taper off within a few hours post-extraction.
Once the bleeding has significantly reduced, you can stop using gauze. However, if you notice persistent bleeding beyond 24 hours, it's important to contact your dentist for further guidance. Remember, the gauze should be moistened before removal to prevent the clot from sticking to it. Proper management of the gauze and bleeding is crucial for a successful healing process.
The recovery process following a tooth extraction can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the extraction, the number of teeth removed, and your overall health. Generally, the initial healing phase takes about one to two weeks. During this time, the gum tissue will start to close over the extraction site, and any discomfort should gradually subside.
It's important to note that while the gum tissue heals relatively quickly, the underlying bone may take several months to fully regenerate. During the first few days, you may experience some swelling and discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and cold compresses. Adhering to your dentist's post-operative care instructions, such as avoiding strenuous activities and maintaining good oral hygiene, can significantly contribute to a smoother recovery.
After undergoing a tooth extraction, it's natural to have questions about when you can resume eating and what foods are safe to consume. Initially, it's crucial to allow the blood clot to form and stabilize in the socket, which is essential for proper healing. During the first 24 hours, it's advisable to stick to a liquid or soft-food diet. Think along the lines of broths, smoothies, applesauce, or yogurt. These options not only minimize the risk of disturbing the clot but also provide necessary nutrients.
As you progress to the second day, you can gradually introduce more solid foods, but it's important to avoid anything too crunchy or chewy. Foods like mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and soft pasta are generally considered safe. Remember to chew away from the extraction site to prevent any irritation. Also, steer clear of using straws, as the suction can dislodge the clot and lead to a painful condition known as dry socket. By following these dietary guidelines, you'll be on the right path to a smooth recovery.
Contrary to popular belief, tooth extractions are painless. This is because we numb your mouth before using any invasive tools or beginning to wobble the tooth. Some patients prefer to be sedated during the process which is effective for reducing anxiety and inducing feelings of relaxation.
Patients also can’t remember the appointment afterward so this is less traumatic if you don’t like the sights and sounds involved with removing a tooth. Leaving a decayed or infected tooth in the mouth will cause a lot more pain than removing it under anesthetic. A basic extraction is even less invasive than a surgical extraction, so the process is very straightforward and doesn’t involve any cutting of the tissues.
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