Hearing that you may need to have a tooth pulled can be intimidating, especially if it is the first time your family dentist has mentioned the procedure. However, by understanding why extractions may be recommended and knowing how to take care of yourself afterward, you can eliminate anxiety and move forward with confidence. Here are four common questions about tooth removals.

Your Tooth Extraction Questions Answered

1. Why are extractions sometimes necessary?

Your family dentist may recommend a tooth extraction for various reasons, including extensive damage or decay to the tooth. Sometimes, extractions are necessary when the smile becomes crowded or if wisdom teeth become impacted or infected.

2. How are extractions performed?

Before your family dentist recommends an extraction, they will carefully evaluate the anatomy and health of the area by taking X-rays and performing physical examinations of your smile. If the tooth needs to come out, the area around the tooth with be numbed carefully with a local anesthetic, and the tooth will be gently rocked back and forth and then removed with forceps. Next, the socket will be stitched closed to give the area time to heal.

3. What can you eat after an extraction?

Following an extraction, your family dentist may recommend eating a soft-food diet for a few days to prevent complications. Examples of allowable foods may include soup with softened vegetables, pudding, smoothies, and broths. However, sipping liquids through a straw is prohibited, since the suction can remove protective blood clots and lead to complications.

4. How long is the recovery time frame?

While you may need to take one to three days off of work following your tooth extraction, the area can take as long as 10 days to heal. During this time frame, it is crucial to report any issues to your family dentist, such as an oozing wound, a foul taste in your mouth, swelling, or pain.

If you have a tooth that may need to be extracted, meet with David A. Dauphin DMD to learn more about the health of your smile. With a commitment to creating a warm, comfortable, streamlined environment for patients, this family dentist can help with everything from cosmetic restorations to general and restorative dental procedures. Find out more about how he can help you by sending his office a message online or by calling (334) 794-3727.