A tooth extraction can be an essential part of maintaining one's dental health. Contrary to popular belief, wisdom teeth are not the only teeth that may need extraction. Tooth extraction can improve the overall functioning of the mouth.

Tooth extraction is available at Desert Bloom Dentistry in Safford and the surrounding area. Many patients find that tooth extraction relieves them of unnecessary pain and restores their quality of life. Call us today at (928) 428-1617 to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Reasons for Tooth Extraction

Teeth may require extraction if they have suffered damage beyond repair, either through trauma or decay. Other factors that may necessitate tooth extraction include overcrowding, infection, and risk of infection. Typically, tooth extraction for overcrowding occurs when preparing the mouth for braces. Braces are meant to realign the teeth, meaning teeth must have adequate space to move around. A tooth extraction may also occur as part of the orthodontic process if there are teeth that do not have enough room to erupt through the gum.

Teeth may become infected when decay or damage extends to the pulp (the nerves and blood vessels at the center of the tooth). Root canal therapy is often enough to treat this problem. However, tooth infections may become severe enough to require extraction and prevent them from spreading any further. Patients who are immunocompromised may need to have their teeth removed even if they are just at risk of infection.

Teeth may require extraction if they have suffered damage beyond repair, either through trauma or decay.

Preparing for Tooth Extraction

The first step to getting a tooth extraction is an initial consultation. During this time, patients should go over their medical history with their dentist, along with any other treatments they have planned. They should also tell their doctor about any medications, vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs they are taking. To ensure the patient's health, our team will take X-rays before the extraction and prescribe the patient antibiotics beforehand if necessary. Patients may be prescribed antibiotics if they have an infection, a weakened immune system, or specific medical conditions. The doctor may also prescribe antibiotics for patients who will undergo particularly long procedures.

Patients should wear loose, short-sleeved clothing on the day of the procedure. Additionally, they should refrain from eating or drinking for six to eight hours and refrain from smoking for 12 hours before their appointment. Patients should notify the office immediately if they have a cold, nausea, or vomiting, as this may necessitate rescheduling or the use of a different form of anesthesia than initially planned. Those undergoing general anesthesia should make arrangements to have a trusted adult drive them to and from the procedure.

To ensure the patient’s health, our team will take X-rays before the extraction and prescribe the patient antibiotics beforehand if necessary.

What to Expect During Tooth Extraction

Before the procedure, the dentist will inject the patient with an anesthetic to numb the area from which they will be removing the tooth. As a result, patients will feel no pain throughout the extraction. Extraction of an impacted tooth will involve cutting away any gum and bone tissue covering the tooth. Since blood clots usually follow extraction, patients may have to bite down on a gauze pad packed to stop the bleeding. We may also place some sutures over the extraction site to assist in closing the gum edges.

Before the procedure, the dentist will inject the patient with an anesthetic to numb the area from which they will be removing the tooth.

Aftercare for Tooth Extractions

Patients should prioritize maintaining the blood clot that forms in the socket left behind by the extraction, as this will prevent complications like dry sockets. Patients need to set aside the first 24 hours after the procedure for rest and change the gauze as needed. However, the gauze should remain in the mouth for a few hours, so there is adequate time for the blood clot to form. Patients should refrain from rinsing, using straws, spitting, blowing their nose, sneezing, or smoking as the clot heals. Any discomfort should be manageable through over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses. Patients should keep their heads elevated in their sleep to avoid blood from pooling in the head.

Patients need to set aside the first 24 hours after the procedure for rest and change the gauze as needed.

What to Know Before Tooth Extractions

Tooth extraction is generally a safe procedure. Additionally, our team will not recommend a treatment unless the benefits outweigh the risks. However, it is still important to be aware of potential complications. Typically, after a tooth extraction, a blood clot will form in the socket left behind. However, when this blood clot does not form or is prematurely dislodged, then the bone inside the socket may be exposed. This condition is known as "dry socket."

Symptoms include severe and radiating pain, visible bone, bad breath, and foul taste. We can treat this condition easily by putting a new sedative dressing over the socket for a few days to allow a new clot to form. Additionally, patients should watch out for bleeding that lasts longer than 12 hours, chest pain, cough, nausea, severe fever and chills, shortness of breath, swelling and redness at the surgical site, and vomiting. If any of these symptoms occur, call our office immediately.

We will not recommend a treatment unless the benefits outweigh the risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Will I be in pain after my tooth extraction?

A. Recovery and aftercare for tooth extractions vary on a case-by-case basis. The type of tooth removed may affect the healing process because certain teeth have deeper roots than others. In general, pain should steadily decrease about three days following the procedure.

Q. Do you always need to get wisdom teeth extracted?

A. No. Wisdom teeth extraction is not always necessary. They may remain intact if they are healthy, positioned correctly, and not causing any complications. Our team may be able to help you determine if extraction is necessary.

Q. What should I eat after my tooth extraction?

A. Refrain from eating hot foods and drinking alcoholic beverages for the first 24 hours following your procedure. Soft, cool foods are ideal during this time. Additionally, chew away from the extraction site.

Q. How long will it take for the area of my tooth extraction to heal?

A. Typically, the extraction site will take about two weeks to close up. However, bone and soft tissue may take three to six months to regrow.

Q. Will I need a follow-up appointment after my tooth extraction?

A. This depends on the severity of your procedure and the treatment plan agreed upon with our team. Contacting our office is the best way to discover what to expect.

Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile

By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.

Dental Terminology

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums, and/or bite.

Decay

Tooth decay is when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay and causes erosion from plaque and tartar on the teeth.

Dental Caries

Dental caries are also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.

Dental Checkup

A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection, and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.

Dental Filling

A dental filling involves restoring the structure of the tooth by using metal, alloy, porcelain or plastic to fill the tooth.

Dental Prophylaxis

A dental prophylaxis is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants contain a resinous material that we apply to the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth to prevent dental caries.

Dentist

A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from plaque, other infections in the mouth and poor oral hygiene.

Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry is the dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health in order to prevent the spread of plaque, the formation of tartar and infections in the mouth.

Tartar

Tartar forms when plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth and calcifies into a hard surface that is much more difficult to remove and will require professional treatment.

Tooth Enamel

Tooth enamel is the protective, visible outer surface of a tooth that contains the dentin and dental pulp.

Call Us Today

If you have a chipped tooth, do not panic. Our team at Desert Bloom Dentistry can help restore a chipped tooth’s function and appearance. Call us today at 928-428-1617 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.

Helpful Related Links

• American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2021
• American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2021
• WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2021

About Our Business, License, and Website Security

• Desert Bloom Dentistry was established in 2022.
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