Having a tooth removed may seem a bit intimidating, but it’s a very common dental surgery. A dentist does this to help keep your mouth healthy. They do this for many reasons, like if a tooth is badly decayed and can’t be fixed, or if you have too many teeth crowded together, or if a baby tooth won’t fall out on its own.
No matter the reason, knowing what will happen can make you feel a lot more comfortable. This is a basic guide to what you can expect beforehand, during and after having a tooth extractions near you.
Before Your Appointment
First of all, go for a dental checkup. Your tooth will be examined and X-rayed during the dental appointment. The X-ray is a unique image that reveals the roots of a tooth and the surrounding bone to the dentist. This helps them prepare the most appropriate means to extract the tooth.
Your dentist will inquire about your health. It is essential to inform them of any medical conditions that you might have and all the medications that you are taking. This ensures that they make the procedure safe for you.
During the Procedure
The good news about tooth extractions in Peterborough is that usually, they are not painful. The dentist will numb the area before the procedure, and here’s how it works
- Numbing the Area: The dentist applies a special gel over the gum to numb it from the surface first. After some time, a little needle will be used for a local anesthetic. This medicine will numb the whole area surrounding the site. You will only feel a pinch in your gums. Once it takes effect, you won’t feel any more pain, although you may feel some pressure, but have no sharp pain.
- The Extraction: There are two main types of extractions:
- Simple Extraction: This extraction type is for a tooth that is visible in your mouth. The dentist uses a tool called an elevator to get the tooth out of its socket, like wiggling a loose tooth with your finger and then uses another tool called forceps to grasp the tooth and carefully remove it.
- Surgical Extraction: This is for a tooth that is not fully grown or is broken under the gum line. The dentist will make a small incision in your gum in order to access the tooth. Sometimes, a little bit of bone may need to be removed, or even the tooth cut into smaller pieces for easy removal.
- After the Tooth is Out: Once the dentist removes the tooth, they will place a piece of gauze at that point and ask the patient to bite it so that bleeding can be stopped; this helps create a blood clot necessary for healing, and, in some cases, if surgical extraction was performed, they might have a few stitches.
Here’s a quick table to help you remember the two types of extractions
|
Feature |
Simple Extraction |
Surgical Extraction |
|
Why it needed |
The tooth is visible and easy to get to. |
The tooth is broken, not fully grown in (like wisdom teeth), or under the gum. |
|
Tools used |
Elevator and forceps. |
Scalpel, bone drills, and other tools. |
|
Procedure |
The tooth is gently wiggled and pulled out. |
A small cut is made in the gum. The tooth might be removed in pieces. |
After the Procedure: Recovery and Care
Healing is a large part of what happens. Your dentist will provide you with some recommendations to adhere to. It’s extremely important to follow them, so you heal fast and feel your best.
- Bleeding: It’s okay to bleed a bit for the first day. Continue biting on the gauze pad that the dentist provided, and replace it when it becomes wet. If the bleeding persists, you must phone your dentist.
- Swelling and Pain: You may have some swelling in your face. Usually, ice packs can be applied 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Your dentist may recommend you take over-the-counter pain medication to assist with discomfort.
- Eating and Drinking: On the initial day, you can only consume soft foods, such as yogurt, applesauce, or soup. Avoid hard, crunchy, or hot foods, and don’t use a straw. You should also avoid consuming liquids with a straw. The sucking action can pull out the blood clot and cause a very painful condition called a dry socket.
- Cleaning Your Mouth: For the first 24 hours, refrain from rinsing your mouth and spitting frequently. On the second day, you could gently rinse with salty water. Avoid touching the extraction site by being mild while brushing your teeth.
You can look for a dental clinic near you that can help with tooth extractions. One should look for a professional dentist near you who will provide a simple and relaxing visit. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask your dentist.
What About the Cost?
The cost of a tooth extraction varies from quite a few reasons. It depends on the complexity of the extraction, whether the tooth is impacted or visible, and what your dental insurance covers. The best way to get an exact figure is to consult your dentist near you. They will be able to evaluate your case and provide you with an estimate.
Get Gentle Tooth Extraction at Lotus Family Dental!
Lotus Family Dental provides full dental services for patients of all ages. Our dentist in Peterborough is dedicated to preventive care, routine checkups, and treatments to maintain your gums and teeth in good health. We apply safe methods and up-to-date equipment to ensure each visit is comfortable. Visit Lotus Family Dental for reliable care today!
