What to Expect with a Tooth Extraction

Seeing a dentist can be a fear-inducing experience for many people. The sharp objects, noisy tools, and uncertainty about what is happening are all reasons why people are scared of seeing the dentist. However, the biggest reason why many people fear the dentist is the fear of the unknown. Fortunately, arming yourself with knowledge about what to expect can assist you in getting rid of your fear once and for all.

Being told that you need to have a tooth extraction can be a stressful experience. Your dentist in Gainesville can help to ease some of your stress by explaining to you the cost, what you can expect before the extraction, what will happen throughout the extraction, and what you can expect after the extraction.

Dentists frequently decide to extract a tooth that has become loose, broken or damaged beyond repair. During an extraction procedure, your dentist will remove the tooth from its socket. You’ll feel less nervous once you know what to expect.

You will need to have an x-ray taken before your procedure. This allows your dentist to determine the best way to remove the tooth is. This appointment will also be an opportunity for your dentist to discuss your medical history with you, as well as finding out what the best way to sedate you will be. If you experience nasal congestion, a cold, nausea or vomiting in the week before your extraction, you will need to tell your dentist so that the procedure can be rescheduled for a later date.

What Will Happen Before and During a Tooth Extraction

Talk to your dentist about any supplements or medications you take. He or she will also need to know if you have any conditions that make you more likely to develop infections. These types of conditions are:

• Impaired immune system
• Artificial joints, such as knee or hip replacements
• Liver disease (cirrhosis)
• Congenital heart defects
• History of bacterial endocarditis
• Damaged or man-made heart valves

The type of procedure your dentist will decide to perform will depend on where your tooth is located. If your tooth is still under the gums, your dentist will perform a surgical extraction consisting of a small incision in the gums that the tooth can be extracted. If your tooth is fully emerged, your dentist will perform a simple extraction consisting of the tooth being loosened and gently pulled out.

Both types of extraction procedures are done with local anesthetic, although some surgical extractions may use intravenous anesthetic. You should not be able to feel any pain or discomfort during your extraction. If you do, tell your dentist right away.

What Will Happen After a Tooth Extraction

Your dentist in Gainesville may use self-dissolving stitches to further close up the extraction site. Once the procedure has been completed, you will be instructed to bite down on a piece of gauze. This reduces the amount of bleeding. It also helps to form a blood clot at the site.

When you get home, you should follow these instructions to help your mouth heal:

• Rest for at least 24 hours.
• Bite down on the gauze for at least three hours, and replace the soaked gauze whenever needed.
• Apply ice at 10-minute intervals.
• Use pillows to prop up your head when you lay down.
• Refrain from spitting, rinsing, or drinking from a straw for a minimum of 24 hours.
• After 24 hours, rinse out your mouth with a mixture comprised of ¼ teaspoon of salt and 8 ounces of warm water.
• Eat only soft foods until your mouth has healed.
• Stay away from the empty socket when brushing and flossing your other teeth.
• Utilize painkillers as instructed by your dentist.

It’s common to experience a certain amount of pain, swelling, and bleeding after a tooth extraction. If any of the below symptoms occur, get in touch with your dentist in Gainesville as soon as possible:

• Severe pain, bleeding or swelling
• Nausea or vomiting
• Coughing, shortness of breath or chest pain
• Chills, fever or other symptoms of infection
• Excessive discharge, redness or swelling

Call your dentist in Gainesville right away if you experience symptoms such as uncontrolled bleeding, intense pain, excessive swelling, chills, fever or difficulty swallowing.

Be sure that you eat only cold and soft foods for several days after your extraction. You can go back to eating solid foods once your mouth has healed. To avoid the blood clot from pulling away from the socket you will need to refrain from smoking, spitting, or drinking from a straw.

It should take approximately two weeks for your extraction site to fully heal. When this occurs, you can resume your normal dental care activities.

When Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Extracted?

It’s typical for the wisdom teeth to emerge during adulthood. This third set of molars is located at the back of the mouth, along the top and bottom of both sides of the jaw. Many dentists will take the wisdom teeth out for preventive reasons, however not all dentists agree that it is worth the expense or the risk. There are several factors you need to consider before undergoing this procedure. These factors are the benefits, the risk, the cost, and the impact on your quality of life. Your trusted dentist in [GEIOD] can help you make an informed decision about your wisdom teeth.

Some people may never have to worry about their wisdom teeth – either because they never grew in or because they have enough room within their mouths to contain the extra set of molars. Other people don’t have enough room. These people need to have their wisdom teeth extracted to avoid a host of dental health problems.

Preventive wisdom tooth removal is preferred amongst some dentists. Other dentists disagree. Have a consultation with your dentist in Gainesville and search out a second opinion before you make this important decision.

Wisdom tooth extraction is prescribed by the American Dental Association (ADA) in cases where the following may have developed or is at risk of developing:

• Cysts or tumors
• Infection
• Gum disease
• Tooth decay
• Damage to nearby teeth
• Pain or discomfort

Preventive wisdom tooth extraction tends to occur for the below reasons:

• Safety
• Age
• Potential for Disease

To learn more about whether a wisdom tooth extraction is right for you, contact your dentist in Gainesville.