Tooth Extractions Specialist

What are some of the reasons for a tooth extraction?

You should always try to keep the natural structures of your teeth as intact as possible, but sometimes a tooth can cause more trouble than it’s worth. Some of the situations in which a tooth extraction might be necessary include:

Damaged tooth

If your tooth has become damaged beyond repair, either from decay or physical trauma, it might be better for your oral health to simply remove the tooth. After your extraction, Dr. Sandhu might be able to replace your tooth with a high-quality dental implant or bridge.

Crowding

If you have a particularly crowded smile and are about to undergo orthodontic treatment, Dr. Sandhu might recommend extracting one or more teeth to make room for your braces or Invisalign® to move your teeth and straighten your smile.

Impaction

You might need an extraction if you have a tooth that’s stuck below your gumline or jawbone or if a tooth in your smile is preventing another tooth from erupting. If Dr. Sandhu doesn’t extract your impacted tooth, you run a higher risk of infection, since bacteria can more easily infiltrate your gum tissue through the holes around your partially erupted tooth.

What happens during a tooth extraction?

First, Dr. Sandhu takes digital X-rays of your mouth to get a clearer picture of the tooth she’s extracting and to assess its condition. Then, she uses a local anesthetic to numb your tooth and the surrounding tissues, which makes the extraction process more comfortable and painless.

Dr. Sandhu then uses a special tool to loosen the tooth before finally removing it from the socket. If she’s extracting an impacted tooth, she might cut it into pieces before removing it to make it easier to take out.

Once the tooth is out, you’ll bite down on a piece of gauze to help the formation of a blood clot in your socket. Depending on your particular case, Dr. Sandhu might also sew up the extraction site with stitches. 

How do I care for my smile after a tooth extraction?

You need to avoid creating suction pressure in your mouth for a few days after your extraction. Any sucking motion, like drinking through a straw and smoking cigarettes, runs the risk of dislodging the blood clot in your socket, which can lead to a painful condition known as “dry socket” that makes it more difficult to heal. You should also avoid rinsing vigorously.

Your face and mouth will be swollen immediately after the surgery, but that will subside within two to three days. Dr. Sandhu might give you antibiotics to prevent infection during your recovery, and she might also prescribe painkillers to ease any discomfort you experience as you heal.

Schedule your extraction today by calling Addisville Dental or booking a visit online.