Why would I need a tooth extraction?
One of the most common reasons for a tooth extraction is a problem with your wisdom teeth. Your wisdom teeth, or third molars, emerge in your late teens or early twenties, many years after the rest of your teeth erupt.
Many people don’t have room in their jaw for four additional teeth. As a result, your wisdom teeth could push the rest of your teeth closer together, causing overcrowding and overlapping. It’s also possible for your wisdom teeth to fail to erupt through your jaw and gums and become impacted.
You might also need to have a tooth removed if it is so severely decayed or damaged that other dental treatments like root canals or dental crowns won’t restore it.
What happens during an extraction?
The Desert Dentist team offers both simple and surgical extractions. Your dentist provides customized advice on the best extraction procedure after examining your teeth and overall oral health.
Simple extraction
Your dentist thoroughly numbs your tooth and the surrounding tissue. In some cases, they might provide a mild sedative to help you stay relaxed and comfortable.
Then, using a special dental device, your provider grips your tooth and wiggles it until it’s loose enough to pull from the socket.
Surgical extraction
However, if your tooth is impacted in your jaw, your dentist might need to remove the tooth surgically. You typically have anesthesia that allows you to sleep through a surgical extraction.
Your dentist cuts through your gums and jaw to reach your tooth. They might need to break your tooth into smaller pieces before extracting it. When your extraction is complete, your dentist closes the incision site with a suture.
How should I take care of my teeth after an extraction?
Your dentist gives you customized aftercare instructions before releasing you to go home and recover. In most cases, you can gently rinse your mouth with salt water and can return to brushing your teeth after 24 hours.
However, you need to take care not to dislodge the clot that forms in your tooth socket. The clot is critical to preventing infection and healing correctly.
Your jaw might be sore for a day or so after your extraction. Over-the-counter pain relievers are often enough to reduce swelling and discomfort, although your dentist might prescribe something stronger.
You might want to stick to liquids and soft foods for a couple of days after your extraction. Don’t use a straw as the suction might dislodge your clot.
Call Desert Dentist today or make an appointment online to learn more about your tooth extraction options.
