Whether you’re dealing with a crowded smile or an infected tooth, a dentist might recommend an extraction to restore the condition of your smile and protect surrounding areas. This surgical procedure removing the affected tooth, often to make room for an implant. To prepare you for your upcoming appointment, here’s a comprehensive guide to tooth extractions and what you can expect from the procedure.

Why Would I Need Tooth Extraction?

There are many situations in which a tooth extraction might be necessary. Root canals are often used to treat tooth decay, but if the infection is too extensive and the tooth can’t be saved, removing it is the only option to prevent it from spreading. If you have overcrowding or impacted teeth, which can happen with wisdom teeth, you may also require an extraction to prevent damage to surrounding areas.

What Is the Procedure?

First, the dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the tooth, bone, and surrounding tissue. They will then use forceps to loosen and remove the tooth from the ligament that binds it to the jawbone. If the tooth is impacted, an incision will be made in the gum and tissue covering the tooth to expose it. While you might feel pressure during the procedure as your dentist works, the anesthetic will keep you from feeling pain.

What Is the Recovery Process?

It can take around three to four days for the socket to heal after an extraction. Your dentist will prescribe medication that will ease the pain, and you can use ice to reduce swelling and discomfort. Avoid any exercise in the 24 hours following the procedure, since this can dislodge the blood clot and cause bleeding.

If you need a tooth extraction, visit Parkway Family Dental in Kalispell, MT. This premier practice specializes in a variety of dental care services, including routine cleanings, oral exams, and restorative and cosmetic treatments. Their dentists are dedicated to improving your oral health so you can maintain a radiant smile. Visit them online to view their full list of services, or call (406) 752-2372 today to schedule an appointment.