Get Rid Of Tooth Pain From Damaged Teeth
If you suffer from serious tooth decay, your dentist may need to extract those teeth. They can try a root canal to remove infection and clean out teeth, but sometimes the tooth is beyond saving. In this case, your dentist will have to extract the tooth by preforming a tooth extraction procedure. We consider a tooth extraction as a choice of last resort in the case of a damaged or decayed tooth. But if saving the tooth is not possible, or in the best interest of your overall dental health, a tooth removal can be the right choice for you.
Dr. Greg Reece provides tooth extractions and wisdom teeth removal in Charlotte, NC. This procedure is not only an option for decayed teeth, but can also treat damaged teeth, crowded teeth, crooked teeth, and an impacted wisdom tooth. Dr. Reece can also perform a wisdom tooth removal if necessary.
When is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?
A tooth extraction is necessary in several scenarios and will help improve your oral health. If you have a severely cracked or damaged tooth, traditional restorative treatments like dental crowns may not be enough to save the tooth. Your dentist may have to fully remove it and replace it. This is also true in the case of teeth that are so decayed that they aren’t suitable for other restorations.
Crowded teeth may also require an extraction. Crowded teeth are hard to clean and may also be painful and contribute to issues that come with misaligned teeth. Extracting a tooth can open up your smile.
Lastly, wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure for young adults in their late teens and early twenties. The size of our mouths isn’t often able to account for this extra set of molars. Your dentist will monitor them at your bi-annual checkups and determine if the removal of your wisdom teeth is necessary. It’s better for oral hygiene.
The Extraction Process
A tooth extraction can be a rather simple procedure. Your dentist can complete a simple extraction procedure in one visit. First, Dr. Reece will go over the steps and what to expect before, during and after the procedure.
Then, he will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic. When you are comfortable, he will remove the ligaments attaching the tooth to the gum tissue. Then he will gently rock the tooth back and forth in the socket until it slides out without force. During this process, most patients will experience some pressure in the area. Lastly, your dentist will either suture the gums shut, and place gauzes to prevent excessive bleeding.
We will provide post-care instructions to help you maintain the extraction site and support a healthy recovery. It may include a soft diet for a couple of days. It is common to experience minor bleeding, swelling and some discomfort for the first 2 hours. If you experience lingering pain, dry socket, a recurrence of bleeding, or a sudden throbbing pain, please contact our office immediately. We can advise you on how to proceed or arrange for an emergency visit.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure, but the aftercare is just as important as the procedure itself. To ensure a successful recovery, it is essential to follow your dentist’s instructions and take proper care of your mouth. One of the most common complications of tooth extraction is dry socket, which you can prevent with proper aftercare. Here are some tips to follow after your tooth extraction for optimal oral care.
After your tooth extraction, follow these tips for oral care:
- To ensure a smooth healing process, it’s imperative to keep the extraction site clean. Gently rinsing the area with an antimicrobial mouthwash a few times a day can be immensely helpful. Also, refrain from brushing directly over your extraction site unless instructed by your dentist. However, make sure you’re brushing and flossing all other areas as usual to maintain good oral hygiene.
- Your dentist may prescribe medications, so it’s essential to adhere to the precise directions that your dentist gives you. This also goes for over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen. Taking the appropriate dosages and timing of these medications can be vital for a successful recovery.
- It’s best to lay low and take a few days break from strenuous activities after an extraction procedure. Elevated heart rates can lead to increased bleeding and discomfort, so skip strenuous exercise for the first day or two. Check with your dentist when you can start getting back into your normal routine.
Dr. Greg Reece will give you more detailed instructions that he tailors to your specific case. Recovering from a tooth extraction can be challenging, but following the right steps for oral care can help you heal quickly and comfortably.
Replacing Extracted Teeth
If your dentist has to remove a primary tooth in the smile zone, it is best to have a plan to replace it. The best tooth replacement option is a dental implant that will secure a dental crown. This is a more natural and secure way to replace the tooth when you compare it other options like a dental bridge.
A single implant post will replace the tooth root and support the crown. The dental crown will sit at the gum line and replace the entire crown of the tooth. We can also place more than one dental implant to replace many missing teeth. To learn more about this tooth replacement option, see Dental Implants.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
There are frequent questions that patients have about this general dental procedure. Learn the answers to them below.
Is the tooth extraction procedure painful?
Your dentist will use a local anesthesia during the procedure, so you may feel some numbness. However, if you are experiencing excessive pain or bleeding for several days following your tooth extraction, contact our office as soon as possible. This is an abnormal reaction and you should seek treatment immediately.
How soon can I eat after the procedure?
You can remove the gauze to eat about one hour after surgery, but it’s best to wait until the numbing agent wears off. Make sure you eat soft foods and avoid using a straw for the first 24 hours following the procedure. You should also avoid hot food and drinks for several hours. Because of the local anesthetic, it may be difficult to chew for a few hours until the numbness has worn off.
How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
The healing process will take about two to three weeks following the procedure. During this time, the bone and gum tissue will regenerate at the extraction site. To recover from a tooth extraction and help reduce swelling, we suggest using an ice pack on your cheek after the procedure.
Also, it is very important to not suck on anything to avoid a dry socket. This includes using a straw and smoking. You will then need to restore the extracted tooth or teeth to prevent teeth from shifting and overcrowding. Overcrowding can make it difficult to clean between teeth and can cause more problems like tooth decay. Practice good oral hygiene, and you will recover in no time.
What are my restorative options following an extraction?
Dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures are great restorative options for replacing missing teeth. For a stable and long-lasting restoration, consider dental implants. Patients with many consecutive lost teeth can benefit from dental bridges. Dentists can provide removable bridges or dental implant-supported bridges. Dentures can replace whole arches of teeth, and the dentist can secure them with dental implants as well.
Do I need wisdom teeth removal?
Yes, consider wisdom teeth removal as a necessary procedure when your wisdom teeth are causing you pain. Some people can live with their wisdom teeth in tact, but this is a very small portion of the population. Even if your wisdom teeth aren’t causing pain right now, they are creating unseen problems for your future dental health.
Schedule a Tooth Extraction Today
If you need a tooth or teeth extractions, call Dentistry of the Queen City at 704-486-8911 or request a consultation online. Dr. Greg Reece and his professional staff will make sure that the tooth extraction procedure is as comfortable as possible.