|
Extractions
What is an extraction?
A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth from the mouth. Immediate persistent
pain as the result of tooth decay that has destroyed enough tooth structure to prevent
restoration is the most frequent indication for extraction of teeth. Even if there is
no pain, it is often desirable to remove the tooth for aesthetic reasons. Extractions
of impacted or problematic wisdom teeth are routinely performed, as are extractions of
some permanent teeth to make space for orthodontic treatment.
What is the technique for extracting a tooth?
Using a local anesthetic, your dentist will numb the area around the selected tooth
to avoid pain and lessen the discomfort. After extracting the tooth a small amount
of bleeding is normal. In the next 24 hours it is advised to drink from a straw and
only rinse gently so not to disturb the clot. You can brush and floss all the other
teeth except for near the extracted tooth socket. If you do experience any pain after
the extraction apply a cold cloth or an ice bag on the gums near the socket.
When is an extraction needed?
Bonham Dental Arts will try to do everything in our power to get you out of pain and
restore your tooth. Any time that a patient experiences severe toothache we definitely
consider it a dental emergency. If we can not restore the tooth because it is severely
damaged, Dr. Bonham may recommend an extraction to avoid an infection or further dental
problems. Tooth extraction is performed under general anesthesia or a topical numbing
agent to minimize patient discomfort.
What about aftercare?
Following the tooth extraction, Dr. Bonham will send you home with specific recovery
instructions and aftercare. Once the wound has healed Bonham Dental Arts emergency
patients may be asked to return to the office for follow up.
Does it hurt?
A local anesthetic or numbing agent is used to minimize the pain to the patient.
If there is a high level of dental anxiety, oral sedation is another option available
at Bonham Dental Arts.
Can your office extract a wisdom tooth?
Yes. The wisdom tooth extraction is the most common minor oral surgery. Wisdom teeth,
also known as third molars, usually appear between the ages of 17 and your twenties.
An extraction becomes necessary if the wisdom teeth affect other teeth during their
development, if they are non-conservable or they have already become impacted. The
extraction of a completely erupted wisdom tooth (ie. the tooth is visible in the mouth)
can be performed with a simple extraction under local anesthetic (to numb the tooth and
the surrounding) and needs only the use of instruments to elevate (lift) and forceps to
widen the alveolar bone by slowly wiggling the tooth back and forth until it loosens
enough to remove it.
|
