Sundance Family Dental
Tooth Extractions
We all want to have a complete and healthy smile. However, sometimes this is not an option. As much as we want to keep our teeth, sometimes procedures like a tooth extraction may be necessary. Tooth extractions are a procedure done by our dentists to remove a tooth from its socket. The thought of a tooth extraction can be intimidating and even cause dental anxiety. Still, with our excellent dentists and their team, we are devoted to ensuring the proper care and comfort necessary to help you get through the treatment that your oral health needs. If you are looking for a dentist in Orem, Utah, who does tooth extractions, look no further than Sundance Family Dental.
What is a Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction is a dental procedure that involves removing a tooth from its socket. Tooth extractions occur when the tooth is beyond repair or if it causes significant oral health issues. Tooth extractions are done in the office and are a simple extraction that involves loosening the tooth and removing it from the socket using specialized tools.
Who Benefits From Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction is beneficial for various reasons, such as:
- Impacted Teeth: Impacted teeth occur when a tooth has not fully erupted or is incorrectly positioned. Impacted teeth typically happen with wisdom teeth, teeth that start to erupt and move in our late teens and early twenties. Impacted teeth can cause pain and damage to the surrounding teeth that may lead to infection if not dealt with promptly.
- Tooth Decay or Damage: Teeth that are severely decayed or damaged beyond repair may require removal. Decayed or damaged teeth are vulnerable to infection and can lead to other oral health issues.
- Periodontal Disease: Gum disease can lead to tooth loss, and sometimes, a tooth extraction is necessary to prevent the spread of infection.
The Tooth Extraction Procedure
Before the extraction, your dentist, Dr. Kyle Birchall or Dr. Drew Miner, will numb the area around the tooth using local anesthesia. If you have anxiety or fear related to dental procedures, your dentist may administer a form of sedation to keep you calm and provide comfort.
The procedure can take a few minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the extraction. After removing the tooth, your dentist may need to apply stitches to close the wound, which will later dissolve on their own.
Aftercare for Tooth Extractions
After tooth extraction, it is essential to take proper care to promote healing, relieve pain, and prevent infection. The following are some tips to help you care for your mouth after tooth extraction:
Oral Care and Healing
After your tooth extraction, you must be biting down gently on the gauze pad given to you. The gauze must be over the extraction site for at least 30 minutes after the procedure. Pain after a tooth extraction is common, and there are ways to help relieve the discomfort by applying an ice pack to the affected area after the procedure to reduce swelling, as well as taking over-the-counter pain medication or prescriptions your dentist gives you.
Special Diet
After the extraction, you mustn’t eat solid foods for the first few days to a week. Consume soft foods, like apple sauce, ice cream, yogurt, or mashed potatoes.
Avoid
Do not smoke or drink through a straw or anything that requires sucking. The reasoning for this is that a sucking motion may dislodge the clot and cause a dry socket.
Oral Hygiene
Maintain proper oral hygiene, like brushing twice and flossing once daily. By maintaining your oral health, you can prevent infections from occurring.
Tooth Extractions in Orem, UT
Tooth extractions can be a daunting experience, especially for those with dental anxiety. At our office in Orem, Utah, our dentists and team are highly trained to ensure the proper care and comfort necessary to help you and your smile. If you are experiencing dental pain, please schedule a consultation with any of our dentists today to determine if you need a tooth extraction.
