Several reasons may lead to the need for teeth extractions, most of which are related to your general health. There are several reasons why your dentist may recommend your tooth be extracted, including wisdom teeth and injuries. Some of them might be:

Damaged Tooth

A crowded gumline

Tooth decay

Abscessed tooth

Depending on the type of tooth, the location in the mouth and gum line, and the extent of decay or damage, tooth extractions are either simple or surgical.

Tooth extraction involves the following steps:

• To minimize pain and discomfort, a local anesthetic is applied to the extraction site. There should be no pain during the actual procedure, although you may feel pressure.
• The dentist loosens the tooth with a dental elevator by gently rocking the tooth back and forth in the socket. Forceps are then used to pull out the tooth.
• The infected or inflamed tissue is removed from the socket, and the hole is stitched up to prevent infection.

As soon as the procedure is finished, the doctor will apply gauze to the empty socket and instruct you to bite down on it. As well as stopping the bleeding, this helps your body form a blood clot in the new socket, which facilitates faster healing. When you leave the office, you will receive instructions on how to care for the extraction site and what food and drink to avoid while healing.

After tooth extraction, you may need to alter your diet and activity for 7-10 days. Healing of the socket can take up to three weeks. It can take several months for the surgical site to heal completely.

If you are experiencing discomfort and think you might need a tooth extraction, contact Perry Family Dentistry in Mount Vernon, WA, to schedule a free consultation or appointment at (360) 424-3133. Our online appointment booking tool is also available for your convenience.