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It’s normal to feel nervous before your first tooth extraction. Knowing what to expect should put you more at ease, so here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the procedure.

A Brief Guide to Tooth Extractions

When is it necessary to remove a tooth?

The procedure is recommended for those with severe gum disease, in which pulp decay exposes and damages a tooth’s root.

An impacted wisdom tooth should also be removed if it can’t push through the gum line or it overcrowds your mouth as a result of a small jaw.

Additionally, an orthodontist may recommend an extraction to make room for other teeth before you get braces.

What is the procedure like?

tooth extractionBefore the extraction, your oral surgeon will recommend a sedation option to keep you comfortable. You’ll either receive an injection of local anesthetic to numb the target area, an oral sedative, or an IV for deeper sedation.

The surgeon will cut through the gums and bone tissue blocking your tooth if it’s impacted, then gently loosen it to pull it out.

Is the procedure painful?

While the procedure itself isn’t painful when you’re sedated, you’ll likely experience some discomfort and bleeding post-surgery. Apply pressure to the surgical site with a piece of gauze for at least half an hour to form a blood clot.

During the first few days of post-surgery, get plenty of rest and apply a cold compress to numb the surgery site.

How long does recovery take?

With the help of over-the-counter pain medications and following your dentist’s recommendations, it’ll take a month or two to fully recover from a tooth extraction.

In the meantime, use a prescribed oral rinse to keep the area clean. Don’t chew or rest on the extracted tooth to avoid additional swelling. Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol or carbonated beverages, and using straws to keep the wound from reopening.

 

If it's time for you to get a tooth extraction, rely on Oahu Dental Care in Pearl City, HI. The family-owned dental clinic offers preventative, cosmetic, and orthodontic care for patients of all ages. To make an appointment, visit their website or call (808) 456-5005.

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