Everything You Need to Know About Tooth Extractions
If you need a tooth extraction, you have a lot of company! Teeth extractions are the most common surgical procedures performed in the U.S., with more than 20 million teeth coming out each year! Whether you need a simple extraction or a more complex procedure, Gentle Dental of Michigan can help you.
Don't be apprehensive about dental procedures. Advances in dentistry have made most of them relatively painless, and they require only a short time in the dental chair. Although some people suffer from dental anxiety or dental phobia, you don't have to be one of them! Practicing good self-care starts with regular visits to your dentist and getting procedures done as you need them. Good overall health includes good oral health, and you can't have good oral health or a beautiful smile if you have teeth that are decayed, damaged, or loose, so call our Michigan office for more information and to schedule an appointment.
Are There Signs My Tooth Needs to Be Extracted?
There can be many signs your tooth needs extracted. If you notice swelling, redness, pain, soreness, or minor bleeding when you brush, you may need an extraction, or you may have another issue. If your tooth is impacted, then it may need to be extracted. If you think one or more of your teeth needs extracting, then call our Michigan office for an appointment. If you have questions, we'll answer them and put to rest any anxieties you may have.
When you come in for your initial evaluation, we'll take X-rays of your teeth to determine the best course of treatment for you. The two most common types of extractions are simple and surgical.
Simple Extractions
Simple extractions are done in our office and involve a local anesthetic, and then the dentist removes the tooth from the socket. This type of tooth extraction is usually performed when the tooth is no longer usable but is easily accessible. Both the procedure and the recovery time are relatively quick and painless. Whether you have a simple extraction or a surgical extraction, we recommend that you arrange for someone to drive you home afterward.
If you have an impacted tooth or the tooth is not easily accessible, we may refer you to a local oral surgeon. These types of surgical extractions are more complex, meaning both the procedure time and the recovery time will be longer.
Surgical Extractions
For a surgical extraction, you may require sedation, local anesthesia, or general anesthesia to ensure you're comfortable throughout the procedure. Your oral surgeon will need to make a small incision in your gum so they can remove the tooth, which may need to be done in sections. After the tooth has been removed, the site will be stitched closed, and you'll receive your aftercare instructions.
Although surgical extractions are very common, you'll need additional healing time to fully recuperate.
What's The Recovery Time For A Tooth Extraction?
Your recovery time will be unique to you and will depend on your physiology and the type of procedure you had. You'll be provided with aftercare instructions specific to your healing, but the following tips may help speed your recovery and increase your comfort level:
- Maintain a clean extraction site. After the first 24 hours, begin rinsing with warm salt water throughout the day. This will reduce bacteria and infection and help keep your extraction site clean.
- Control the bleeding by continuing to bite down on the gauze, changing it as necessary. Typically, bleeding should stop after about 30 minutes. If it doesn't, call our Michigan office without delay.
- Avoid using a straw for the first 24 hours, and don't smoke, spit, forcefully rinse, or engage in strenuous activities for the initial 24 hours. If you do, you may dislodge your clot and have to start the clot formation process again.
- Manage your pain or discomfort with over-the-counter analgesics as recommended by your dentist.
- Maintain good oral hygiene but avoid the extraction site for the initial 24 hours. After that time, you can begin carefully cleaning the area with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Usually, tooth extractions go smoothly and without complications, but if you experience excessive pain or bleeding, be sure to call our Michigan office, and we'll help you.
Need to Get a Tooth Removed?
If you think you need to have a tooth removed, call Gentle Dental of Michigan at , and we can help you. We're among the best in the area, and we know you'll be pleased with your dental procedure.
Remember, you need good oral health if you want good physical health, and you can't maintain a beautiful smile if you have teeth that are decayed, damaged, or loose. Call our Michigan office today.
We look forward to speaking with you and working with you.
