When it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene, your dentist will often do all they can to preserve your natural teeth. However, sometimes, preserving the natural tooth isn’t an option, and a dental extraction is required to protect your remaining teeth. At Central Davis Dental, we provide dental extractions to ensure you maintain the best oral health possible. With our team, your tooth extraction will be easier than you could have ever hoped.
What are Dental Extractions?
Dental extraction, also commonly referred to as tooth removal, is a procedure in which your dentist removes your tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Your dentist does everything in their power to preserve your natural teeth whenever possible. While they do all they can to preserve your teeth, sometimes there are situations where extractions become the most appropriate course of action.
With this in mind, it is important to take your dentist’s advice when they recommend any kind of dental extraction. There are a wide variety of conditions that may lead to the need for dental extraction, including the following:
- Severe tooth decay
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Periodontal disease
- Orthodontic treatments
- Fractured or broken teeth
- Overcrowded teeth
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars in your mouth. Most people will get their wisdom teeth in their late teens or early twenties. When healthy and properly aligned, these teeth can be a valuable asset to your mouth. However, when they are misaligned, they may pose several problems for the surrounding teeth and your overall oral health. In more extreme cases, they can crowd or damage adjacent teeth, the jawbone, and nerves.
That is why it is important to extract wisdom teeth if they cause problems for your overall health. The optimum age for wisdom tooth extraction is your teenage years to early twenties. However, wisdom tooth extraction can take place at any time. Central Davis Dental offers IV and oral sedation to make this process as comfortable as possible. With the help of our experts, this procedure can be completed in as little as one hour.
The Removal Process
Going into any dental extraction procedure, you may feel anxious. However, understanding the process can alleviate the anxiety you experience and help you prepare for this process. The steps of dental extractions include the following:
- Assessment: Before any dental extractions take place, your dentist will begin a comprehensive assessment. They will take X-rays, evaluate the tooth’s condition, and perform an examination. This assessment will help your dentist determine the most appropriate extraction technique.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area surrounding the tooth and ensure your procedure is most comfortable. For more complex dental extractions, your dentist may recommend sedation options to make this a more relaxing process.
- Extraction: Using specialized tools, your dentist will gently and carefully remove your tooth from its socket. A simple extraction typically involved removal with forceps. However, more complex extractions may require small incisions to access the tooth properly.
- Post-care: Following your extraction, your dentist will provide you with detailed post-care instructions. These instructions should include a guide for managing discomfort and swelling, as well as avoiding complications such as dry socket.
Your Aftercare
Recovering from dental extractions may take a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the complexity of the extraction. During the recovery period, there are several aftercare steps that are essential to follow, including:
- Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medication can help manage any discomfort you experience following this procedure. It is best to follow your dentist’s instructions regarding medication during the healing process.
- Oral hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene is important following your extraction. However, you should avoid agitating the extraction site for a few days. You may rinse your mouth with salt water as recommended by your dentist.
- Diet: There are many foods and beverages that you should avoid in the initial days following your extraction. These include hard, crunchy, or spicy goods. You should, instead, eat soft foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies.
- Rest: Getting adequate rest is incredibly important during the healing process. In the days following your extraction, you should avoid strenuous activities, such as exercise and heavy lifting.
- Follow-up appointments: It is important to attend any follow-up appointments with your dentist to ensure you are healing properly. At these appointments, you may also have a chance to address any concerns you have.
In some cases, you may consider getting a tooth replacement to restore your smile and improve overall oral function. Dental implants, bridges, and dentures are an effective solution that your dentist can discuss with you.
Schedule Your Dental Extraction Today
We understand how daunting some dental procedures, including a dental extraction, can be. But we’re confident that our dental professionals can make this process smoother and more comfortable than any other dental experience you’ve had before. If it is time for you to get a tooth extracted, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Central Davis Dental. We’re here to provide you with expert care and guidance. Contact us today to schedule your dental extraction and take the steps toward a healthier smile.