Tooth Extractions in a Comfortable Setting
Tooth extractions don’t sound fun, but it’s important to know that it’s a routine, low-risk procedure that is relatively painless.
In a lot of cases, a simple extraction can be handled by a dentist, but in some cases, it will require a visit to an oral surgeon. The recovery time is minimal and the extraction site doesn’t typically take longer to heal.
Why Do I Need a Tooth Extraction?
The most common tooth extraction procedure is wisdom teeth removal. When your wisdom teeth are impacted it can stop your teeth from growing normally. This procedure is usually handled by an oral surgeon.
>In some cases, a dentist may recommend the extraction of a tooth to make room in the mouth to improve alignment. Other times, decayed or damaged teeth need to be removed to prevent infection and relieve pain.
The Tooth Extraction Process
A tooth extraction is a pretty quick process and should only take a few minutes:
- After taking x-rays, the dentist or oral surgeon will review them with you and talk through the extraction procedure.
- The dentist will use a local numbing agent for the tooth, gum, and bone.
- As the tooth is extracted you should only feel pressure, not pain.
- In most cases, the dentist can remove the tooth using applied pressure, rather than surgical intervention.
What Happens After a Tooth Extraction?
Once the procedure is over, your dentist will send you home with instructions for properly caring for the extraction site in the hours and days following tooth removal. You might need to cover the extraction site with gauze.
Some patients may be given medication to give some relief in the days following an extraction. The gums should fully heal in a matter of weeks, as long as the site is kept clean. Once healed, you may be interested in replacing the missing tooth with an implant, bridge, or denture.
Schedule a Tooth Extraction Consultation in Bulverde
If you think you may need a tooth extraction or are experiencing dental pain, reach out to us and we can assess your case. In some cases, we may decide to refer you out to an oral surgeon. Contact us today!