Tooth extractions are generally performed by a dentist or an oral surgeon. A relatively quick procedure, the extraction is completed while the patient is either under local, general, intravenous anesthesia, or some sort of combination of the three. This is so the patient can be comfortable and pain free during the procedure. When teeth that are visible are extracted, it is called a simple extraction. Teeth which are broken off beneath the surface, or impacted require a more involved procedure. Whether complex or simple, extractions can be performed by our qualified staff. Here at DeLuca, Ressel, & Congemi Dental Care, our highly trained staff can provide you with tooth extractions. Contact us for an appointment now.Two Types of Extractions
There are two kinds of extractions. A simple extraction is the procedure performed on a patient when the tooth is visible. Using sedation, our trained professionals use an instrument called an elevator. This will loosen the tooth prior to it being extracted. Next, they will use forceps to remove the tooth.
When a tooth breaks off at the gum or has yet to erupt through the gumline the procedure is called a surgical extraction. For this process, a small incision will be made in the gum before surgically removing the broken or impacted tooth.
When Are Extractions Necessary?
Extractions are required for a variety of reasons. In some cases, it is simply a cavity which has progressed too far to be corrected by a filling or a crown. Dental infections and gum disease are also a reason an extraction is needed. Other reasons include gum disease, trauma to the tooth or surrounding tissue, complications with wisdom teeth, preparing the area of the mouth for a dental prosthesis, preparing the patient for dental braces when the teeth are too crowded and finally when baby teeth are not falling out at the proper age complicating the adult teeth coming in.
How Long Is Recovery From a Tooth Extraction?
Typically, our staff will ask our patients to relax for forty-eight to seventy-two hours following the procedure to allow the post-op treatment area to properly clot. After a few days, the patient will be able to return to normal physical activity without restriction. It generally takes the soft tissue three to four weeks to completely heal.
Patients should avoid smoking and sipping anything as the sucking motion can loosen the surgical area and delay healing. They should also not eat hard vegetables either as this could impact the patient’s rate of healing. It is important to remember it takes time to heal following a surgical procedure. Patients should consider soft food or liquid nourishment options such as soups, mashed potatoes, yogurts, milkshakes, ice cream, and smoothies. Cool or cold liquids are recommended to cut down on the potential for post-op swelling around the surgery site. Patients should also avoid hot drinks, spicy foods, and sodas of any kind.
FAQs
Will I need a ride home after the procedure?
If your tooth extraction involves sedation or general anesthesia, you will need someone to drive you home, as you may feel drowsy or disoriented. If only local anesthesia is used, you can typically drive yourself home, but it’s best to confirm with your dentist.
How long will the swelling last after a tooth extraction?
Swelling is common after a tooth extraction and usually peaks within 48 hours. It typically subsides within 3 to 5 days. Applying an ice pack to the affected area in the first 24 hours can help reduce swelling.
What kind of diet should I follow after a tooth extraction?
After a tooth extraction, stick to soft foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, applesauce, and smoothies for the first few days. Avoid crunchy, spicy, or hard foods that could irritate the extraction site. Drink plenty of water, but avoid using straws, as they can disrupt the healing process.