Understanding Tooth Extraction

Have you been told you need to have a tooth pulled?  You might go through a few stages of grief, wondering if it is necessary, or just being upset to lose a tooth, before you accept the inevitable and schedule the procedure. Having your tooth extracted can be straightforward with no reason to worry or panic. Understanding what to expect is the best way to lessen your fear and be prepared.

There are a number of reasons why people need to have a tooth extracted. For children, it may be as ordinary as having a baby tooth removed to make way for an adult tooth. Sometimes teeth must be pulled before orthodontic work can begin. Your tooth may be damaged due to an injury or accident, or even because infection has occurred. If your tooth cannot be saved, the alternative is to have it removed, and it is the most common dental procedure performed today.

How a tooth is extracted may depend on what the problem is with your tooth. If it is a routine extraction on a tooth that is not impacted, it can be removed either in a dentist’s office or by an oral surgeon. The dental professional will begin by numbing the area with a local anesthetic injection. After your tooth and gum are numb, the dentist or oral surgeon will loosen the tooth by rocking it back and forth. You may feel pressure during the procedure, but it should not be painful.

For an impacted tooth, extraction is performed surgically. An impacted tooth has not fully emerged from the bone or gum, so it does not come out as easily. Surgical extraction is usually done at an oral surgeon’s office. You may require general anesthesia for this procedure instead of or in addition to an injection. A small incision is made in your gum, with soft tissue and bone cut away as needed to access the impacted tooth. Forceps are then used to rock the tooth loose and remove it. You may require stitches at the incision site.

Aftercare for both procedures is simple. Take pain medication as needed, and be sure to follow any dietary restrictions and cleaning instructions. You should be back to normal in a few days and completely healed in a week or two. Contact your dentist or oral surgeon if the swelling and pain get any worse. For more information about what to expect for tooth extractions in Cary, please visit this website.