Extractions
While our teeth were meant to last forever, sometimes when there’s severe damage pulling (or extracting) a tooth is necessary. The most common reasons you might need an extraction are:
- Trauma to the tooth
- Tooth decay
- Extra teeth
- Infection
- Wisdom teeth
- Periodontal disease
What to Expect
We pride ourselves on using advanced technology during your care with us, resulting in an easy, smooth treatment plan. When you visit us, you can expect the following:
- A detailed exam or X-rays will be done to ensure an extraction is necessary and cannot be fixed with a crown, filling, or other treatment.
- The proper anesthetic will be given for a more relaxing procedure:
- Local anesthesia. Usually a local anesthetic is given to you in the area of your extracted tooth. If this is the case, the area will be numb to pain but you’ll still be able to feel pressure and noises from the procedure.
- Nitrous Oxide – Laughing Gas. For patients who feel anxious about dental visits, we offer nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, to help you relax during treatment. This safe and effective option, available for an additional fee, works quickly to ease nerves and enhance comfort without putting you to sleep. Nitrous oxide is administered through a small mask over your nose, and its calming effects wear off shortly after the procedure, allowing you to resume your day with ease. Let us help make your visit as stress-free and comfortable as possible!
- Please note that we work with a number of amazing specialists in the area that will assist in completing IV sedation. Dr Lokitis will facilitate getting you a referral to an amazing doctor nearby.
- After the extraction, your blood should start to clot and begin to heal in the tooth’s empty socket. We’ll pack the area with gauze so that it can start the healing process.
- We’ll spend some time with you and answer any questions you may have and talk about the healing process.
Bone Grafting at the Time of Extraction
Bone grafting during a tooth extraction is a proactive step that supports your oral health and future dental options. This procedure helps preserve the natural bone structure and promotes faster, healthier healing in the extraction site. By reinforcing the jawbone, bone grafting enhances its strength and stability, which is especially beneficial for patients considering dental implants in the future. By investing in bone grafting, you can maintain a strong foundation for your smile and help predict better long-term outcomes for your oral health.
Healing and Home Care
Home care for an extraction can involve taking over-the-counter pain medications to help with any tenderness in the days following the procedure and should be taken before the anesthesia wears off. More complex extractions may involve additional prescriptions recommended by your dentist.
When it comes to eating, we recommend soft, cold foods for the few days after the extraction. Try to avoid using straws as the sucking motion can complicate the healing process.
You should clean and brush your teeth as usual; changing your gauze pads often and a warm, salt water rinse 24 hours after the procedure to keep the area clean. Smoking should be refrained from for 24-72 hours.
If you notice any swelling, ice packs may help reduce it. There can also be stitches involved in more complex extractions, usually self-dissolving stitches.
It’s extremely important to follow after-care directions to prevent any complications. For example, the blood clot that forms after extraction can become dislodged and leave the hole exposed. This situation, called dry socket, can cause an infection so we strongly recommend taking it easy to ensure you heal properly.
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As always, we’re here to answer any questions you may have along the way. Call us today!