Tooth Extraction
Extraction of a tooth
Maintaining good dental health may require a tooth extraction, not just for wisdom teeth but for other teeth as well. This procedure can improve the overall function of your mouth. If you are experiencing pain and discomfort, consider tooth extraction at Cedar Grove Dental Group in Cedar Grove, NJ. Contact us at (973) 857-0567 to schedule an appointment and learn more about how this procedure can benefit you.
Causes for Tooth Removal
Extraction of teeth may be necessary if they are damaged beyond repair due to trauma or decay. Other reasons for tooth extraction include overcrowding, infection, and the risk of infection. Overcrowding may require tooth extraction to make room for braces, which are used to realign teeth. In some cases, teeth may need to be removed as part of the orthodontic process if there is not enough space for them to erupt through the gum.
Infections can occur when decay or damage reaches the pulp of the tooth. While root canal therapy is often effective in treating this issue, severe infections may require extraction to prevent further spread. Patients with compromised immune systems may need to have teeth removed as a precautionary measure against potential infections.
“ Teeth may require extraction if they have suffered damage beyond repair, either through trauma or decay.”
Getting ready for a tooth extraction
Before getting a tooth extraction, patients must first have an initial consultation with their dentist. During this appointment, patients should discuss their medical history, any planned treatments, and disclose all medications, vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs they are taking. Our team will take X-rays before the extraction and may prescribe antibiotics beforehand if needed to ensure the patient's health. Antibiotics may be prescribed for patients with infections, weakened immune systems, or specific medical conditions, as well as for those undergoing lengthy procedures.
On the day of the procedure, patients should wear loose, short-sleeved clothing and avoid eating or drinking for six to eight hours, as well as refraining from smoking for 12 hours before their appointment. If a patient experiences a cold, nausea, or vomiting, they should notify the office immediately as this may require rescheduling or a different form of anesthesia. Patients undergoing general anesthesia should arrange for a trusted adult to 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 you can anticipate during a tooth extraction
Prior to the procedure, the dentist will administer an anesthetic to numb the area where the tooth will be removed. This ensures that patients will not experience any pain during the extraction. Removing an impacted tooth will require cutting away any gum and bone tissue that is covering the tooth. After the extraction, patients may need to bite down on a gauze pad to help stop any bleeding from blood clots that typically form. Sutures may also be placed over the extraction site to aid 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.”
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
It is important for patients to prioritize the formation of a blood clot in the socket after a tooth extraction to prevent complications like dry socket. Rest and changing gauze as needed in the first 24 hours post-procedure is crucial. The gauze should be left in the mouth for a few hours to allow the blood clot to form properly. Patients should avoid rinsing, using straws, spitting, blowing their nose, sneezing, or smoking while the clot heals. Any discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses. Keeping the head elevated during sleep can help prevent 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.”
Key points before tooth extraction:
Tooth extraction is generally a safe procedure and our team will only recommend it if the benefits outweigh the risks. However, it is important to be aware of potential complications. One common complication is "dry socket," where the bone inside the socket is exposed due to a missing or dislodged blood clot.
Symptoms of dry socket include severe pain, visible bone, bad breath, and a foul taste. This condition can be easily treated by placing a sedative dressing over the socket to allow a new clot to form. Patients should also watch out for prolonged bleeding, chest pain, cough, nausea, fever, shortness of breath, swelling, redness, and vomiting. If any of these symptoms occur, please contact our office immediately.
