Teeth Extraction: What You Need to Know

Our permanent teeth are meant to last for a lifetime. However, because of several reasons and factors, the dentist may recommend tooth extraction near you. While it is a routine procedure, we strive to save and preserve your teeth. If the dentist recommends extraction, then it means your teeth are severely damaged and cannot be saved.

Why is Tooth Extraction Done?

Several reasons can force the dentist to remove your permanent teeth, and they include:

1. Impacted teeth. It is mostly wisdom teeth that get impacted. Wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to come out. And, since they emerge between 17 and 25 years, the jaw is usually fully developed, the teeth can get impacted. Wisdom teeth may emerge partially or get fully entrapped under the gums. Regardless, the teeth need to be removed, because they can damage the jaw and weaken the teeth.
2. Dental decay. Decay is mostly a silent dental problem. Bacteria are a common cause of decay, and if it is not removed, it can spread and affect the soft tissues. Usually, the dentist performs a root canal procedure to remove the infected pulp. Tooth extraction is done to remove severely damaged teeth.
3. Overcrowded teeth. Dental overcrowding develops when you have narrow jaws that cannot accommodate the teeth. The dentist can recommend tooth extraction near 10583 in preparation for orthodontic treatment like braces.
4. Overstayed baby teeth. Tooth extraction may be done to remove baby teeth that have overstayed to make room for the permanent ones.

How is Extraction Done?

The tooth extraction procedure is done depending on the type of procedure. Extraction can either be simple or surgical extraction. A simple extraction is done on visible teeth while surgical is for impacted and teeth that lie beneath the gums.

During a simple extraction, the dentist will numb the gums and loosen the teeth using an elevator. This makes it easy to remove the teeth. The procedure is fast and can last for a few minutes.

A surgical extraction is done by an oral surgeon. It involves opening the gums by making small incisions to access the jaw. The dentist will remove the underlying tooth. At times, he may have to cut the tooth in two to make it easy to remove it.

A surgical extraction is done under local anesthesia, but sedation may also be used if you have dental phobia.

The gums are stitched to facilitate healing.

How Long Does it Take For the Gums to Heal?

Healing will depend on the type of extraction done. For a simple extraction, it can take seven to ten days to heal. The surgical extraction may take longer. The soft tissue can take three to four weeks to heal.

What are the After Care Instructions?

Our oral surgeon will give you instructions that can help facilitate healing.

• Rest for 48 to 72 hours. This is to allow the area to clot. Blood clot helps to hasten the healing process.
• Eat soft foods in the first few days to avoid hurting the area. Avoid eating spicy foods because they can cause discomfort and impair the healing process.
• Avoid drinking using a straw to avoid dislodging the clot. If the blood clot forms, you will have a dry socket, which slows down gum healing and causes bad breath.
• Take the medication as instructed. The dentist will prescribe pain relievers and antibiotics to ease the pain and prevent infection.
• Control the bleeding. After the procedure, you may experience bleeding, but you can control it using a gauze pad.
• Prevent swelling using cold compression. Apply an ice pack on the cheek for 20 minutes to stop fluid accumulation.

What to Expect After Extraction?

After your teeth are removed, you will be left with unsightly gaps that affect not only your appearance but also your dental structure.

Replacing these teeth is important to preserving your dental health. We offer several restorative procedures that can restore and replace your teeth. Consult our dentist on the most suitable restorative treatment that can help restore your smile.

Schedule an Appointment 

Visit Smile Scarsdale for more information on tooth extraction and how the procedure is done.