For some patients, removing a tooth is the best solution for resolving an oral issue. Tooth extraction may seem like a daunting procedure, but it is a permanent fix for ongoing problems. The dental staff at Brian Perelmuter, DMD, PC in Naugatuck, CT, advise that tooth extraction is much less intimidating than it seems and that patients shouldn’t let fear keep them from seeking treatment.

Tooth extraction is the surgical removal of a tooth by a dentist or oral surgeon. It’s a short, outpatient procedure, and you can expect the following:

• Pre-Surgery: Before removing the tooth, your dentist will numb the area around it. Once the gums and nerves are completely anesthetized, you won’t feel anything other than pressure. If they want to take a closer look before surgery, the dentist may also take X-rays of the tooth. Once the anesthetic has completely set in, they’ll test the area one more time before beginning.
• Removing the Tooth: For an effective extraction, the dentist will need to clear any tissue out of the way. This can be as simple as trimming small areas of the gums to cutting large sections if a tooth hasn’t broken through the surface yet. This is common with wisdom teeth. When they have a clear view of the tooth, they will use tools to slowly wiggle it free. This will generate a lot of pressure, but there’s no pain involved. When the tooth is freed from the ligaments and jawbone, the dentist will be able to smoothly extract it.
• Recovery: Tooth extraction is an outpatient procedure, so you can leave as soon as you’re finished. You’ll likely receive painkillers, which should be taken as prescribed. It’s important to also keep gauze over the area so a blood clot can form, and your dentist may ask you to bite down on it regularly. Immediate recovery usually takes 24 hours; and, going forward, complete recovery takes about two weeks.

The staff at Brian Perelmuter, DMD, PC offer tooth extraction and a variety of other dental procedures. Whether you’re interested in a cleaning, tooth whitening, or cosmetic dentistry procedures, they provide solutions to keep your mouth healthy. Call (203) 729-3323 today to schedule an appointment and visit their website and Facebook to learn more about their services.