Extractions
Our dentists make every effort to preserve your natural teeth. However, extractions are necessary when decay has made the tooth unsalvageable or when you have an advanced periodontal disease. When a tooth is malformed, damaged, impacted or ingrown, different procedures are used, but all extractions are considered surgery. Depending on which tooth is removed, we can offer you a replacement in the form of a dental implant or oral prosthetic.
FAQ
Do I need my tooth extracted?
Together, patient and doctor weight the pro’s and con’s of undergoing surgery to remove a tooth. Sometimes teeth are considered “non-restorable” due to severe decay and structural loss, severe infection, or location in the mouth. Sometimes, if the prognosis for trying to save the tooth is very poor, the better option is to remove the tooth and opt for a more stable and predictable replacement. We will always discuss at length all the treatment options before deciding to remove a tooth.
What should I expect during an extraction procedure?
Extractions are completed with local anesthetic in our office. The anesthetic should remove all sensations of sharp pain and discomfort. The sensation of pushing or pulling cannot be erased with local anesthetic alone, but despite this, you should remain comfortable during the procedure. If you are concerned about being awake or feeling pressure during the procedure, we can refer you to a number of excellent Oral Surgeons who offer general anesthesia (when you go to sleep).
How long is the healing process?
In most cases, the patient is ready to go back to work as soon as the next day after a tooth removal. Usually, healing occurs over the next few weeks. The healing time depends on the pre-operative conditions. If the tooth was severely infected, sometimes healing is slower and the patient requires antibiotics. Whenever circumstances allow, we recommend to start antibiotics a few days before a procedure, if we assessed that there is a large infection that might interfere with the healing and recovery process. This aids in a swifter, more predictable and comfortable recovery.
How should I take care of my extraction site after the procedure?
Generally speaking, the most important aspect of home care after an extraction is to “Protect the Blood Clot!” After any surgery, the healing process begins by a blood clot forming. The blood caries all the substances which we require for healing, which include: -our own immune system (and antibiotics in our blood if you are taking any!) which protects us from infections -bone and gum forming cells which will fill in the space left after tooth removal -a protective barrier between the bone in the extraction site and our oral cavity
The No.1 Enemy to a blood clot is MOVEMENT. (Don’t dislodge the clot!) So switching and spitting for at least a day after any extraction is a HUGE NO NO! Avoid brushing your teeth the day of the extraction for that reason. Avoid extensive talking the day of the extraction…for the same reasons. Avoid eating any hot food or beverages the day you have a tooth extracted. The heat will flush your mouth with blood (just like a hot day will make you feel flush) and can make you bleed out. You should also avoid hard, crunchy or SMALL foods like grains, since food can get stuck in the extraction site and interfere with healing and even cause an infection. Avoid strenuous activities, as an increase in blood pressure can make you bleed out….and lowering your head below your heart (like picking something up off the floor by bending down head first) can also bring more blood to your head and make you bleed out.
Dr. Vera will always give you in depth instructions about your individual surgical procedure’s post operative care. These are just basic rules of thumb, and never a bad idea to follow!
