All You Need to Know About Tooth Extraction

Some adults and many teenagers have their wisdom teeth extracted but other reasons exist when tooth extraction becomes necessary in adulthood.

Crowding, excessive tooth decay, and tooth infection all require tooth extraction. People considering braces may need to have a couple of teeth removed to make space for the other teeth as they begin shifting into place. Patients undergoing chemotherapy or planning an organ transplant will need to have their compromise teeth extracted to keep their mouth healthy.

The dentist in Hemet, CA, performs tooth extraction in a relatively quick outpatient procedure either with local, general, intravenous anesthesia or a combination. It is not difficult for the dentist to remove visible teeth in a simple extraction but teeth that are broken and below the surface of the gums require an invasive procedure.

Preparing for Tooth Extraction

Before the procedure is scheduled your dentist will take an x-ray of your mouth at which time you must provide them information about any medications you are taking including vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs.

It is also important for you to provide information to your dentist about any other medical condition that is scheduled for treatment with the intravenous drug bisphosphonate. In such cases, the extraction should be performed before the treatment failing which your jaw could be at risk of bone death.

If you suffer from any of the following conditions you must provide your dentist with information about the same:

• Diabetes,
• liver disease
• thyroid disease
• renal disease
• a congenital heart defect
• damaged heart valves
• an impaired immune system.

Your dentist will be attempting to make sure all conditions are stable or treated before the extraction and may also prescribe antibiotics before the procedure if:

• The surgery is expected to last long.
• You have a weakened immune system, an infection, or a history of bacterial endocarditis.

If you want to receive the quality treatment it would be helpful for you to keep the following in mind for the day of the scheduled procedure:

• If you are receiving intravenous anesthesia wear loose-fitting clothing and a short-sleeved shirt and begin fasting from about 6 to 8 hours before the appointment.
• Do not smoke before the procedure.
• Your procedure may need to be rescheduled if you have a cold and therefore the information must be provided to your dentist.
• If you are receiving general anesthesia have someone around to drive you home.

The Procedure for Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction in Hemet, CA, will either be a simple or a surgical procedure depending on whether your tooth is impacted or visible.

If you are undergoing a simple extraction for a visible tooth you will be administered a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth to make sure you only feel some pressure but no pain. The tooth will be loosened by the dentist with an instrument known as the elevator before removing it with forceps.

If your extraction a surgical an incision will be made in your gums by the dentist or oral surgeon. Some bone around your tooth may also have to be removed before your tooth can be extracted.

The Risks of Tooth Extraction

Tooth extractions have few risks but if the dentist in East Hemet, CA, has recommended it the benefits will outweigh the minor chances of any complications. A blood clot forms naturally in the socket after tooth extraction. However, if it does not or dislodges it can expose the bone in the socket which is referred to as dry socket. In such cases, the dentist will protect the area by putting a sedative dressing over the surgical site for a few days. A new clot will form during this time.

The Recovery Period after the Extraction

You will require a few days to recover after tooth extraction. You should, however, take any medications prescribed by the dentist including over-the-counter painkillers and relax for at least 24 hours after the procedure. You can have soft foods like yogurt, pudding, and applesauce and brush and floss your teeth as you do regularly keeping in mind to avoid the extraction site. If you are experiencing pain that is not subsiding accompanied by fever, drainage or pus you should make an appointment with Glenn C DelaRoca DDS for an evaluation as soon as possible.