Everything You Need to Know About Tooth Extractions
Tooth extractions are the most common surgical procedures in America and account for more than 20 million procedures annually! However, some people delay getting the tooth extractions they need due to dental anxiety, which is dread of dental procedures, or dental phobia, which is fear of the dentist's chair. Technological advances in dentistry have streamlined the extraction procedure so that it's now relatively painless and doesn't take long.
If you need one or more teeth extracted, we can help you. Call our Maryland dental office and we'll answer all your questions and schedule an appointment.
Are There Signs I Need an Extraction?
If you need a tooth extraction, you'll probably notice sensitivity or pain, redness, swelling, and your tooth may be loose. These symptoms can occur in the problematic tooth or in the general area of it.
Usually, an extraction is needed if you have an infected, damaged, or impacted tooth, and the type of procedure you need is determined by the complexity of your issue. A simple extraction is usually used when a tooth can be pulled in one step. A surgical extraction may be required when your tooth has to be surgically removed via an incision in your gum.
What Types of Tooth Extractions Are There?
There are two types of tooth extractions: Simple and surgical.
Simple extraction
A simple extraction is performed on a tooth that's visible and easily accessible. Usually, it's performed on a tooth that's not salvageable. Dentists always try to save teeth if at all possible, but sometimes, a tooth just can't be saved, which often occurs because the tooth has been neglected for too long.
A simple extraction doesn't take long and the pain is mild or minimal. Your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area before the procedure. Then, they'll loosen the tooth and remove it from the socket, usually in one piece. Whether you have a simple or surgical extraction, we recommend that you arrange for transportation home rather than trying to drive yourself home.
Surgical extraction
When a tooth can't be removed or accessed easily, we may refer you to a local oral surgeon who will make a small incision in your gum and may need to remove your tooth in sections. Incisions will be closed with stitches, so your recovery time will take longer. Although surgical extractions are more complex, they are also very common procedures.
No matter the type of extraction you need, our Maryland office can help you so give us a call and we can help you regain your good oral health and your beautiful smile.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovering from either type of extraction will depend on your physiology and the rate at which your body heals. However, recovering from a simple extraction will take less time than if you had a surgical extraction. Practicing good self-care is the best way to speed your healing, so make sure you carefully follow your aftercare instructions, the following tips may help you with your recovery but shouldn't replace any instructions your dentist has given you:
- Practice good self-care and avoid strenuous activities for the initial 24 hours.
- Control bleeding and help your body to clot by biting down on the gauze, replacing it as necessary. Usually, clotting will occur within 30 minutes, but if it doesn't stop within that time, then call our Maryland office.
- Keep your pain manageable with over-the-counter analgesics that your dentist suggests. You shouldn't have severe pain but if you have intense pain or uncontrollable bleeding, call our Maryland office right away.
- Avoid using a straw, smoking, spitting, or rinsing forcefully so that you don't dislodge your clot. Otherwise, you'll have to start the clotting process again.
- Maintain good oral hygiene, but avoid the extraction site for the first 24 hours. After that, you can carefully clean the area with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
If you need a tooth extracted but decide it can wait, then you jeopardize the health of your other teeth. Maintaining a beautiful smile requires taking care of your teeth as they need it, so if you need a tooth extraction, call our Maryland office for an appointment.
Looking for a Dentist to Perform a Tooth Extraction?
If you think one or more of your teeth needs to be extracted, call Dental One Associates of Maryland at , and we'll answer all your questions and schedule an appointment.
Remember, a healthy body begins with a healthy mouth, and you can't have a healthy mouth if your teeth aren't healthy. Protect your health and your beautiful smile by maintaining your teeth. We're among the best in the area, and we're sure you'll love our service.
We look forward to working with you.
