You may need a tooth extraction because of significant decay or broken teeth. This procedure can prevent additional damage to your smile and safeguard your mouth from infections. Here is some insight into the surgery and aftercare to calm your nerves about attending this appointment.

What Is Tooth Extraction?

Simple Extraction

A dentist can perform a simple extraction if they can see the tooth. Before the procedure, you’ll have a local anesthetic injection to numb the gums.

The dentist will loosen the tooth with tools and remove it with forceps. They may pack the hole in the gums with gauze to encourage blood clotting after the procedure.

Surgical Extraction

The dentist will perform a surgical extraction if the tooth is impacted and has not grown through the gums. This option often requires local anesthesia to numb the area and intravenous anesthesia to minimize anxiety. Some practices apply general anesthesia through a mask to make you sleep during the procedure.

The dentist will cut into the gums over the impacted tooth and remove the tooth and part of the bone around it. Once they’ve taken out any bone or tooth shards, they’ll pack the hole with gauze to slow the bleeding. The dentist may add some self-dissolving stitches to close up significant gaps and promote healing without infection.

Aftercare

The dentist will provide personalized instructions for the first hours and days after the extraction. They’ll likely recommend leaving the gauze in place for several hours or gently replacing it if the material is soaked.

Avoid eating hard or pointy foods like tough bread or chips, as they can cut into the gums and encourage infections. Use a water pick or swish your mouth with water after eating to remove any lingering food particles.

Gently brush and floss the teeth around the extraction site, taking care not to disturb the gums. Watch for signs of dry socket, a condition where the blood clot loosens and leaves the bone exposed. Contact your dentist if this happens, and they’ll schedule a follow-up appointment to restore the clot.

If your family needs a state-of-the-art dentist, check out Parkway Family Dental in Flathead County, MT. The top-quality team offers preventative services, teeth cleanings, crowns, and root canals. They’ll make sure the tooth extraction procedure occurs smoothly and help you feel comfortable every step of the way. Call the practice at (406) 752-2372 or visit the website for more information on how the passionate team can care for your teeth and gums.