Tooth Extraction

What are Tooth Extractions?

Extractions are often performed when there is no other way to save a tooth or when a tooth is compromising your oral health. They are simple procedures that are done in-office regularly, so they are safe and effective for most patients. Extractions may be done as a way to help improve oral health or prevent problems, like what you would find with wisdom teeth. Dr. Bhandaru will perform an exam to determine if one or more teeth needs to be extracted.

Why are Tooth Extractions needed?

Extractions are always done after everything else has been tried to save one or more teeth. In some cases, the only other option is to fully remove the tooth.

Some reasons to have an extraction done include:

• Wisdom teeth
• Decayed teeth
• Loose teeth due to gum disease
• Baby teeth that aren’t coming out on their own
• Cracked or severely broken teeth

The only dentist I’ve ever gone to that had recommended grafts after extractions. I’ve never been offered this and didn’t even know it was a thing. Dr and staff were very nice and professional. Procedure went smoothly and clearly very carefully done. I would recommend them if you’re looking for a new dentist. – MH

What makes you a candidate for a Tooth Extraction?

Before an extraction is done, we will perform an exam to determine if it is the right choice for you. Extractions are always done to better your oral health and we may suggest other options before simply removing a tooth. Extractions require that you have the ability to heal fully from the procedure. Antibiotics may be necessary if there is an infection prior to the extraction being done.

The Do’s and Don’ts for Tooth Extractions

DO

• Follow all the instructions given to you by your dental surgeon.
• Rest for the first 24 hours.
• Take the antibiotics and pain medications as prescribed to you.
• If you have throbbing pain, use ice packs, it helps with pain and swelling.
• Bite the sterile gauze provided to you for 30 minutes after arriving at your home.
• If you are prone to allergies or frequent sinus infections, you may be recommended to take some decongestant to avoid forceful sneezing to prevent dislodgement of blood clot.
• Eat soft, cold, warm food for 24-48 hours following the dental extractions.
• If you are having continuous oozing of blood due to your medication or other health conditions, bite on a tea bag and the tannins in the tea will have clotting potential.
• Please call the provider: if you develop fever over 101, have difficulty breathing or have continuous bright red blood oozing out of the ext socket or liver clots.

DON’TS

• Do not smoke for the first 72 hours after the dental extraction.
• Do not suck on a straw for the first 72 hours after the dental extraction.
• Do not consume alcohol for the first 72 hours after the dental extraction.
• Do not spit forcefully after brushing or vigorously brush the extraction site for the first 72 hours after the dental extraction.
• Do not eat hard, hot or crunchy foods for the first 72 hours after the dental extraction.
• Do not put your finger to check the extraction site as it may transfer infective agents to the site and cause secondary infection.
• Do not place hot packs to alleviate discomfort near the extraction site for the first 72 hours after the dental extraction as it may cause swelling.
• Do not lift weights or do strenuous physical exercise for the first 72 hours after the dental extraction.

What can you expect during a Tooth Extraction?

First, Dr. B will go over your sedative options to determine which one is right for you. You will then receive sedation to have the tooth extracted. In some cases, local anesthetic is all that is needed to ensure that you’re comfortable during the procedure. Specialized dental tools are used to remove the tooth and sutures may be necessary to close the gums. For impacted wisdom teeth, an incision is made through the gums to gain access to the tooth underneath. You’ll go home with post-op care instructions that should be followed to promote optimal healing.

If you think you might need to have one or more extractions done, call us and we will schedule an appointment for you.