Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from the mouth. Extractions are performed for a variety of reasons, including tooth decay that has destroyed enough tooth structure to prevent restoration, severe gum disease, or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

Who Performs Tooth Extractions?

Tooth extractions can be performed in a dental office or an oral surgeon’s office. Most dental professionals, however, are trained and equipped to perform tooth extraction procedures.

To remove a tooth, a dentist or oral surgeon will first numb the area with local anesthesia. After the tooth has been loosened, the dentist will then use dental instruments to gently remove the remainder of the tooth from the socket.

Are Tooth Extractions Painful?

Most tooth extractions are routine procedures. Before your tooth extraction, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area. In addition, your dentist will use a sedative to help you relax during the procedure.

When it’s time for your tooth extraction, your dentist will gently remove the tooth or teeth. You may feel some pressure or slight discomfort, but you shouldn’t feel any pain.

What Can I Expect After Tooth Extractions?

If your dentist has recommended tooth extraction, our dentist will first numb your mouth. Once the procedure is over, you’ll be sent home with postoperative instructions to follow. Your gums will be tender and swollen, so we recommend applying a cold compress to reduce swelling.

In most cases, you’ll be asked to bite down on a piece of gauze or gently bite down on a piece of ice. This will hold your open gums in place, minimizing bleeding and swelling. For the first day, you’ll want to limit your activity. This will help you recover faster and will help prevent complications.

Finally, eat a liquid or soft food diet on the day of the extraction. Avoid using straws and eating hard or crunchy foods, as these can damage the healing site. Stick to soft foods, like soups, smoothies, and mashed potatoes.

What Are the Alternatives to Tooth Extractions?

Tooth extractions are a last resort treatment for teeth that are severely damaged, infected, or beyond saving. Unfortunately, when a tooth is damaged beyond repair, it cannot always be saved. Extractions are sometimes necessary in order to keep you healthy.

However, extractions should not be taken lightly. When the tooth is extracted, the empty space left behind will need to be filled. Otherwise, the other teeth in the jaw may shift out of place, causing misalignment.

Filling the space left by an extracted tooth as soon as possible is the best way to prevent misalignment and other complications. Dental implants, bridges, and dentures can all be used to fill the empty space. If you choose an implant, then you will need to allow a natural process called osseointegration in order to stabilize the implant and prevent it from shifting out of place.

Contact ÉLAN Dentistry for the best dental care. To book an appointment, call (714) 364-8181 or visit us at 1030 West Imperial Hwy, La Habra, CA 90631.