Extractions

Professional Tooth Extractions in Ballantyne

You and Dr. Patel may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.

To avoid these complications, in most cases, Dr. Pate will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth.

The Tooth Extraction Process

At the time of extraction the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jawbone and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic.

During the extraction process you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.

You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected.

If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away.

What does it mean to section a tooth?

Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. The doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections then removes each section one at a time.

After Tooth Extraction: Home Care

Bleeding

Some bleeding may occur. Placing a piece of moist clean gauze over the empty tooth socket and biting down firmly for a few minutes can control this. You will be given a packet with some streile guaze after your procedure to take home.

Important notice:

This is an important part of the healing process and you must be careful not to dislodge the clot. Please, follow the instrcution below for first 48-72 hours following your surgery:

  • Avoid forcefull rinsing or spitting.
  • Avoid using a straw
  • Avoid smoking
  • Avoid heavy physical activites (i.e. running, playing sports, etc.)
  • Avoid touching the extraction area with dirty fingers
If we placed any sutures on your gums, they will be absorbed and removed on their own within 7-10 days.

Swelling

If swelling occurs you can place ice on your face for 10 minutes and off for 20 minutes. Repeat this cycle as you feel necessary for up to 24 hours.

Pain and Medications

All necessary pain relieving medications will be prescribed after your surgery. We may or may not require you to take antibiotics.

Ibuprofens (such as Advil, Motrin, or Aleve) may temporarily help alleviate your pain as well.

Eating

For most extractions just make sure you do your chewing away from the extraction site. Stay away from hot liquids and alcoholic beverages for 24 hours. A liquid diet may be recommended for 24 hours.

Brushing and Cleaning

After the extraction avoid brushing the teeth near the extraction site for one to two day. After that you can resume gentle cleaning. Avoid commercial mouth rinses, as they tend to irritate the site. Beginning 24 hours after the extraction you can rinse with mild salt water (1/2 teaspoon in a cup of water) after meals and before bed.

Dry Socket

Dry socket occurs when a blood clot fails to form in the socket where the tooth has been extracted or the clot has been dislodged, and the healing is significantly delayed.

Following the post extraction instructions will reduce the chances of developing dry socket. Dry sockets manifest themselves as a severe dull throbbing pain, which doesn’t appear until three or four days after the extraction. The pain can be moderate to severe and radiate from the extraction area. Dry socket may cause a bad taste or bad breath and the extraction site appears dry.

Please contact us immediately if you believe you may have this condition.

Healing

After a tooth has been extracted there will be a resulting hole in your jawbone where the tooth was. In time, this will smooth and fill in with bone. This process can take a few weeks.

If you have any questions or concerns.

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