Why are Extractions Necessary?

There are only a few reasons why a patient of Newman Dental should consider extractions. These reasons include: 

  • Unfixable Broken Tooth: Severe injury can sometimes be repaired, such as a broken tooth. If most of the tooth is broken and there is no way to restore the natural tooth, an extraction will be suggested to relieve pain and plan for restoration.
  • Severe Decay: Decay removal and restoration are possible in most instances, but an extraction may be necessary in extreme cases. Decay eats away at the tooth and can cause infections to other teeth and tissues if not contained. To keep your mouth healthy, an extraction may be needed.
  • Overcrowding: Each mouth and tooth is unique in size. Some people have small mouths and big teeth, which causes overcrowding. Overcrowding makes teeth go crooked. Extracting one or more teeth can help the teeth to be straight.

 

What to Expect During Tooth Extractions

In an extraction, we understand if the patient has fear and anxiety. We offer sedation dentistry to help make our patients more comfortable and calm during an extraction. Laughing gas can be given to the patient before the extraction area is numbed to help make them feel more peaceful. Once you are ready, Dr. Newman will begin the procedure by numbing the tooth and surrounding areas. 

It is common for the tooth to be firmly secured into the jawbone at the time of extraction, so after the tooth is numbed, the first step will be to loosen it. Dr. Newman will use a dental instrument to carefully pull the gum tissue away from the tooth to loosen the tooth. Eventually, there will be enough space for the tooth to easily pullout. 

Dr. Newman will begin extracting the tooth by using extraction forceps. This instrument is similar to pliers and is made to have a good grip on teeth. Using the forceps, Dr. Newman will rotate the tooth in different directions, loosening it from its socket. 

Eventually, the tooth will be extracted from the twisting and rocking back and forth. 

You won’t feel any pain while undergoing an extraction. The numbing solutions are made only to allow you to feel pressure, no sharp pains. During your extraction, please be vocal about what you feel to help manage the discomfort.  

 

Post Extraction Care

Below are some post-extraction care tips: 

  • You will be given gauze to help your socket form blood clots to stop bleeding. Gently bite down on the gauze. 
  • Take the painkillers that are prescribed to you at the correct times. 
  • Avoid drinking from a straw for at least 24 hours to prevent getting a dry socket. 
  • Do not rinse or spit forcefully. 
  • Only eat soft foods that don’t require you to chew. 

Depending on what tooth was extracted and how many teeth will determine your exact post-extraction care instructions. Instructions will be given to you before you leave our office. 

 

Give us a Call

We are dedicated to making your experience in our office as comfortable as possible. If you are getting a tooth extracted soon and have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us. We are happy to help you.