Everything You Need to Know About Tooth Extractions

If you need a tooth extraction, you're not alone. More than 20 million tooth extractions are performed each year at dental offices throughout the U.S. Some are simple extractions, and some are more complex. Unfortunately, about one-third of adults experience dental anxiety or dental phobia when they consider having a tooth extracted, so they delay the process. This can result in severe damage to the tooth as well as their overall good health. If you need a tooth extracted, call our Georgia office, and we can help you. Don't be apprehensive about a tooth extraction. Technological advances in dentistry have made tooth extractions relatively painless, and the procedure goes quickly.

What Indicates That I Need a Tooth Extracted?

Decay, damage, or impaction can all precipitate the need for one or more tooth extractions. Usually, if a tooth needs to be pulled, you'll have pain, redness, or swelling, and there may be tenderness or soreness that's isolated to the tooth, or it may have spread to other teeth. If you think you need a tooth extraction, call our Georgia office to schedule an appointment. We'll take X-rays to help us determine the best treatment regimen for you.

What Kinds of Extractions Are Available? 

There are two types of tooth extractions: a simple extraction and a surgical extraction. We recommend you arrange for transportation home after either procedure.

Simple Extraction

If the offending tooth is visible and easily accessible, a simple extraction will probably be used. A simple extraction is quick and relatively painless, with minimal aftercare and a speedy recovery. Usually, a local anesthetic is sufficient. Usually, your dentist will gently remove the entire tooth intact.

Surgical Extraction

If a tooth is impacted or otherwise inaccessible, you'll probably need a surgical extraction. This is commonly used for a wisdom tooth or a permanent tooth that hasn't fully erupted. Depending on the complexity of the extraction, it may be done in our office, or we may refer you to a local oral surgeon.

A surgical extraction is also very common, but it's more complex than a simple extraction. It has a longer recovery time and more extensive aftercare procedures than a simple extraction. Your oral surgeon may need to make an incision in your gum and divide your tooth into sections in order to remove it. You'll receive one or more stitches to close the incision, and we'll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions that you should strictly follow.

We do our utmost to ensure your comfort throughout your procedure and recovery. However, if you have problems, such as extensive pain or uncontrolled bleeding, call our Georgia office for help.

What's the Recovery Time for an Extraction? 

Your healing and recovery time will be unique to you and will be influenced by the type of procedure you had. A surgical extraction will require more healing time than a simple extraction, although your unique physiology will influence your recovery rate. While you're healing, it's important to exercise good self-care to minimize the likelihood of complications. You'll be given aftercare instructions for both procedures, but the following tips may also help:

1. Self-care: Take good care of yourself and you'll speed your recovery. Avoid strenuous activities for the first 24 hours. Avoid smoking, spitting, rinsing forcefully, or using a straw. Doing so may dislodge your clot, and you'll need to start a new one.
2. Keep the area clean by gently rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater several times each day after the first 24 hours.
3. Control bleeding initially by biting down on the gauze pad for at least 30 minutes, replacing the gauze as needed. If you can't get the bleeding to stop, call our Georgia office.
4. Keep your pain or discomfort manageable with over-the-counter analgesics. Ask your dentist which is best for you since not all types of painkillers work for everyone.
5. Maintain good oral hygiene by continuing to brush and floss, but avoid the extraction site for the initial 24 hours. After that period, you can carefully clean the site with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

 Your dentist will provide you with instructions for taking care of your extraction site, and they take priority over the above. If you have any questions, call our Georgia office, and we'll be happy to help you.

Think You Need An Extraction?

If you have a problem tooth or one that's starting to be problematic, don't suffer in silence, and don't be succumb to dental phobia. Call Dental One Associates of Georgia at , and let us help you.

Your tooth extraction will be quick and relatively painless if you attend to it promptly. It will also help maintain your good health, both physical and oral, as well as your beautiful smile. If you let an infected or decayed tooth go, you can destroy your other teeth and need more extensive dental procedures. 

Call us today to schedule an appointment. We're among the best in the Georgia area, and we're sure you'll appreciate the service you receive.

We look forward to speaking with you and working with you.