When A Tooth Can’t Be Fixed…It needs to be removed.
A damaged tooth that cannot be fixed almost always degenerates into a worsened condition.
Your dentist may recommend extracting a tooth if:
• Your tooth is damaged by a fracture or deep cavity to the extent that makes repair impossible.
• You have a sizable infection that cannot be resolved by a root canal alone.
• You have teeth that are blocking other teeth from coming in. These may be extra teeth or baby teeth that have not fallen out yet.
• You are getting braces and need to get rid of a tooth that is crowding others.
Wisdom teeth, which typically come in during your teens or twenties, may need to be extracted if they are decayed, infected, or causing pain. Depending on their position in the jaw, we may refer you to an oral surgeon.
In the case where a patient desires to have an implant after an extraction, a bone graft may be required after the extraction. A bone graft is the implant of a piece of bone to fill the vacant area left behind when a tooth is removed. This grafted material will integrate into and with your bone to create a solid area of bone that will support of a partial or an implant.
Tip: Don’t smoke or take aspirin on the day of surgery, as it increases the chance of a condition called Dry Socket. This condition occurs when a blood clot doesn’t form in the space left by the tooth extracted, or the clot formed breaks off or breaks down too early. The pain associated with this condition is intense and can last 6 months to 1 year following an extraction.
Post-Extraction Care
Soon after an extraction, you’ll be asked to keep gauze on the extraction site to help the blood clot and to keep the clot in place. It’s important to protect this clot as the wound heals. During this time you should eat soft foods, and refrain from smoking and from using a straw or a spit, as these ctions can dislodge the clot and cause Dry Socket.
Most people feel some discomfort after having a tooth extracted. You may take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen to help relieve the pain. We recommend use of icepacks to decrease any swelling. If your jaw is still stiff after any swelling has subsided, try applying warm compresses to the area.
In general, swelling and bleeding last only a day or two after the extraction, and any discomfort/pain should go away after a few days. If you have any questions or concerns during this time, please call the office.