Tooth extractions are a rather common type of dental procedure. Sometimes, a tooth that cannot be saved needs to be removed from its socket, which can also make room for other types of procedures that will restore the health and appearance of your teeth.
If you need a dental extraction, here is a short step-by-step guide that explains how this procedure usually unfolds:
The days of pulling out teeth with no anesthetic are long gone, so you should not worry about feeling any pain when getting a tooth extracted. The dentist will numb the area using one of the many anesthesia options available, which they will choose based on your needs, preferences, and medical history.
This step can also help relieve the anxiety many people face when going to the dentist. And rest assured, your dentist will first test to see if the anesthesia is in full effect before they move on with the procedure.
Once the area is numbed, your dentist will use a dental elevator to loosen the tooth in its socket. They will then use a set of dental forceps to grab the tooth and pull it from the socket. You will not feel any pain, but it is possible to feel some pressure or even hear the tooth moving during the procedure.
In some cases, the dentist might need to make an incision in the gum to expose the tooth and properly grab hold of it. This is usually the case for impacted wisdom teeth which are not fully out of your gums but still need to be extracted. Again, you should not feel any pain during this process.
Once the tooth is out, the dentist will quickly apply gauze over the extraction site and ask you to bite down. This helps control the bleeding and promotes blood clot formation. The blood clot’s function is to protect the bone and nerves that are exposed after the tooth was taken out.
Sometimes, the dentist might change the gauze before you leave if there is a bit more bleeding and the gauze gets soaked in blood. You might also have to change at home until the bleeding subsides.
A tooth extraction is usually done in around 30 minutes, possibly less if the tooth is fully out of the gums. However, the healing time can last around 2 weeks, and you will have to take some precautions to ensure the site heals properly:
You should do this for at least the first few days until your gums begin to heal. Your dentist will also provide you with more at-home care tips.
If you need a tooth extraction and want to ensure you will get the best care, Dr. Charles Schof and his team can help.
Get in touch with us now to schedule your appointment.
