Patients may require tooth extraction to remove severely infected, overcrowded, damaged, or impacted teeth. Removing these teeth actually relieves pain and improves the health and function of the teeth and gums. As a preventative dental care procedure, tooth extractions will stop the spread of infection or damage to the whole dental structure and surrounding teeth. Dr. Adam Carraway provides tooth extraction in Greer, SC. Some patients may worry that dental extractions cause excessive pain during and after the procedure. However, Dr. Carraway makes sure that his patients feel as comfortable as possible during treatment.
A tooth extraction is a procedure used to remove a tooth from its socket. This dental procedure can be performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon, periodontist, or general dentist.
WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER TOOTH EXTRACTION IN GREER, SC?
We consider tooth extraction as the last option when it comes to dental health solutions. Your local dentist will help you understand why you need to have your tooth pulled and what you should expect. There are two sets of teeth; the primary teeth, which are the first set of teeth that fall off as a child grows, and the permanent teeth, which grow in place of the primary teeth.
Though permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime, several reasons may make extraction necessary. Some of these reasons include:
- To reduce overcrowding of teeth. Extraction can also be necessary if you are scheduled for orthodontic treatment, and there is no room to realign and move the teeth.
- When the tooth damage is irreparable due to severe decay
- To help an impacted tooth that has been blocked from coming out of the gums. This also reduces the risks of overcrowding and infection
- A possible solution to periodontal disease or gum infections or an abscess caused by bacteria in plaque
- To help after an accident such as a car crash
Before recommending extraction, your dentist will fully examine your affected tooth, mouth, and gums to ensure that you are healthy enough for the procedure.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN GETTING A TOOTH EXTRACTED IN GREER, SC?
There are two types of tooth extraction procedures that your dentist can recommend: simple and surgical extractions. Simple extractions are done under local anesthesia and are mainly performed on a visible tooth.
On the other hand, surgical extractions can be more involved. Your dentist may consider this option if they cannot easily access the tooth. This mainly occurs when the tooth is impacted or broken. In a surgical extraction, the dentist may perform an incision to raise the tissue covering the impacted tooth. They may also have to remove the tooth in several pieces.
WHEN ARE TOOTH EXTRACTIONS NECESSARY?
Tooth extractions may be necessary when a tooth is severely infected, broken beneath the gums, damaged or crowded in place. It can also help with periodontal disease and gum infections caused by bacteria. Tooth extraction may be needed to make space for orthodontic treatment or to preserve teeth after an accident like a car crash. Your dental provider will assess your mouth and gums before recommending extraction to make sure you are healthy enough for the procedure.
CAN I BE PUT TO SLEEP FOR MY EXTRACTION?
Yes, depending on the tooth to be extracted, your dentist may refer you to a specialist like an oral surgeon who can offer multiple sedation options. With dental sedation, you will not feel any pulling, discomfort, or pain. To ensure you are safe, the dental care team will closely monitor your vitals.
If you are at risk of complications, your oral surgeon can recommend having the procedure done in a setting to ensure that they will be ready to handle any emergency. Dental sedation is ideal when:
- You are in severe pain
- You need several procedures at the same time
- You experience dental anxiety
If you do want to be put to sleep, your dentist can recommend other anxiety relief options, such as taking a medicine to help you relax. Your comfort is our priority here at Carraway Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. Our highly trained dentists will ensure that you understand and are comfortable with the procedure.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING AND AFTER TOOTH EXTRACTION IN GREER, SC?
Depending on the type of extraction, your dentist can use local anesthesia to numb it. This will prevent sharp pain during the procedure. If you are using local anesthesia, you can expect to feel some pulling as the dentist tries to pull out the teeth.
After the extraction, you will experience some bleeding, and your dentist will place gauze on the sock to absorb the blood. They will also advise you on how to take care of the socket to reduce the risk of infection and speed up recovery.
WHAT ARE THINGS I SHOULD AND SHOULDN’T DO AFTER AN EXTRACTION?
You need enough rest after the procedure. You should ensure that you follow your doctor’s instructions and maintain good oral hygiene to ensure that you heal quickly. After the extraction, you should:
- Eat soft food a day after the procedure
- Take the medicine if prescribed
- Try not to use a straw in the first three days
- Avoid spitting vigorously or rinsing your mouth
- Firmly bite down on the gauze and change them frequently
- Rest for at least 24 hours
- Use a pillow on your head when lying down
- Do not smoke or use tobacco until you are completely healed
WHAT IS A DRY SOCKET, AND HOW DO I PREVENT GETTING ONE?
It is normal to develop a blood clot where the tooth was extracted. The clot protects and heals the nerve ending and underlying bones. The blood clot should stay intact until you are fully healed. However, there are times when the clot can get dislodged. This causes a dry socket which is very painful and uncomfortable. To prevent getting a dry socket, you should:
- Avoid using a straw
- Try not to smoke or use tobacco
- Maintain good oral hygiene
WHAT CAN I EAT AFTER AN EXTRACTION?
During the first 24 hours after an extraction, it is vital that you only eat soft foods and some liquids. Some easy to chew foods that you can consider are:
- Eggs
- Applesauce
- Cottage Cheese
- Yogurt
- Mashed Potatoes
- Oatmeal
- Ice cream
HOW MUCH PAIN WILL I BE IN AFTER MY EXTRACTION? WILL I BLEED A LOT? HOW LONG WILL I BE SWOLLEN AFTER MY EXTRACTION?
Once the anesthesia wears off, you may also feel some pain and swelling, especially within the first 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. It is normal to experience some bleeding after the procedure, and the gauze should help control it. However, if you experience severe bleeding or pain eight hours after the procedure, you should contact your dental care provider.
Here at Carraway Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we are a team of qualified dentists who offer general dental procedures. Get in touch with our professionals to know more about tooth extraction in Greer, SC and the options available for you.
WHAT ARE SIMPLE AND COMPLEX EXTRACTIONS?
Simple extractions involve removing a tooth that is visible and easily accessible. A complex extraction involves removing teeth which are very decayed, broken, or trapped in bone or tissue under the gums. In this case, your dentist may need spend more time to reach and remove the tooth. The recovery from a complex extraction usually takes longer than that of a simple extraction as there is can be more inflammation of the gums, bones, and surrounding tissue. Your dentist will provide you with aftercare instructions for both types of extractions.
WHAT ARE WISDOM TEETH?
Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth that emerge in the mouth. They can cause problems for some patients if they become impacted. Impacted teeth are teeth that do not have enough room to emerge properly and can be beneath the gum line. These teeth can damage molars in the back of the mouth. Although not every patient needs their wisdom teeth extracted, our office makes sure that we regularly take dental x-rays of new patients to keep track of their progress at the dental visit. If we find any problems, we will recommend wisdom teeth removal.
EXTRACTION AFTERCARE
You’ll typically feel back to normal in a few days after your extraction. Your recovery period is usually slightly longer if it’s a complex extraction. Your jawbone takes a few weeks to heal after an extraction. Follow the detailed aftercare instructions the dentist gives you after the procedure. There are also general tips to follow during the aftercare process.
To start, avoid extensive physical activity for a few days. Talk to your dentist about when it’s safe to return to regular physical activity. An elevated heart rate can impact your recovery and how you feel after the procedure. Take all prescribed medications that your dentist gives you. You may receive medication to ease your recovery. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also be used to manage pain.
Lastly, keep the extraction site clean. Don’t brush the extraction site directly until your dentist tells you it’s okay. Antimicrobial mouth rinses keep the site clean and sterile. Hot salt water rinses help to speed up the healing process and ease the inflammation of the area.
HOW DO YOU PREVENT TOOTH EXTRACTIONS?
The key to avoiding tooth extractions is preventive care: brushing and flossing twice a day, eating a healthy diet, and visiting the dentist regularly. Regular dental visits allow your dentist to check for decay or other problems that may lead to an extraction. Dental crowns and fillings can help to prevent the need for extractions. Also, be sure to practice good oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing after meals, drinking plenty of water to help rinse away food particles, and limiting sugary snacks. If you do experience any tooth pain or sensitivity, it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible so they can identify the cause and treat it before an extraction becomes necessary. Additionally, if you have a history of gum disease or cavities that your dentist is aware of, it’s important to follow their treatment plan and schedule regular checkups in order to prevent any further damage that may lead to a tooth extraction.
WHAT IS CARRAWAY DENTAL’S APPROACT TO PREVENTING EXTRACTIONS?
At Doctor Carraway’s practice, we believe that prevention is key in avoiding the need for tooth extractions. We strive to help our patients maintain healthy teeth and gums through preventive oral health services such as bacterial testing, implementing preventative plans, regular cleanings and check-ups, customized treatment plans with fluorides or sealants if needed, and thorough patient education on proper oral hygiene techniques. We also use advanced dental technology to detect any signs of decay or disease at an early stage, before it requires a tooth extraction. Our goal is to provide high quality care with a gentle touch so that our patients can maintain their natural smile and avoid tooth extractions.
WHAT ARE REPLACEMENT OPTIONS AFTER AN EXTRACTION?
After an extraction, there are several replacement options available depending on the number of teeth that were extracted. For a single tooth, dental implants are a popular option as they look and feel like natural teeth. For multiple extractions, dentures or partial dentures may be used to replace the missing teeth. In some cases where all the upper or lower teeth have been extracted, a full denture may be recommended. For patients who don’t want to go through the process of fitting and wearing removable dentures, dental implants are sometimes used as an alternative. Dental implants can also be used in conjunction with traditional dentures for added stability and comfort.
SCHEDULE A TOOTH EXTRACTION IN GREER, SC
Are you having pain in a tooth and want an appointment today? Are infected teeth impacting the health of your teeth? Request a dental consultation with Dr. Carraway on our website. You may also call Carraway Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today at 864.268.7812.