Key Things to Know About Tooth Extraction
Our dentist Dr. Modiri, works hard to save every one of your teeth. But in instances when your tooth is damaged or diseased beyond repair, the solution may be a tooth extraction. The most common reason to pull your teeth is due to impacted wisdom teeth, but there are actually many reasons your dentist may opt to pull a tooth.
Once the decision to extract a tooth has been made, your dentist at Stamford Dental uses every means at his disposal to keep the procedure painless. Call for an appointment today to determine if you need a tooth pulled.
Tooth extraction is a common procedure, usually done as a last resort. Your dentist in Stamford, CT, may pull a tooth for a variety of reasons, usually when the tooth can’t be saved. While tooth extraction may sound painful, the dentists at cosmetic dentistry center Stamford are experts at making your extraction painless and easy, especially since they practice sedation dentistry.
In most cases, removal of an affected tooth solves any pain or side effects you’re experiencing. Your nearby dentist may recommend tooth removal due to:
- Dental cavities or tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Preparation for braces or a dental prosthesis
- Removal of baby teeth
- A treatment for crowding teeth
- Wisdom teeth complications
- A risk of infection or a compromised immune system, such as from chemotherapy
Tooth extraction is a simple procedure that usually takes place in your dentist’s office. During the procedure, your dentist numbs the area with a local anesthetic. Then he cuts or pulls the tooth out, using stitches to sew the gums together and placing gauze in your mouth to help soak up any residual blood. The stitches dissolve in a few days, and while you may experience minor bleeding, the symptoms quickly fade.
Removing Wisdom Teeth
One of the most common tooth extraction procedures is the removal of wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. They’re often removed due to crowding teeth or to prepare the mouth for braces. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth cause pain, swelling or soreness when they begin growing in because of the lack of space in the mouth.
Once your best dentist in Stamford has confirmed that your wisdom teeth need to be pulled, you set a date for the surgery. Wisdom teeth extraction is an outpatient procedure that typically takes less than an hour, but you may feel lightheaded or dizzy afterward due to the anesthesia, so you won’t be able to drive home. On the day of your tooth extraction, plan on taking the day off from work or school. You should also find someone who can take you to and from the dentist’s office.
Caring for Your Mouth After a Tooth Removal
If you’ve had a tooth removed, it’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions for appropriate aftercare. Your dentist wants to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery while reducing the risk of a tooth extraction infection. Some general tips for recovering from a tooth extraction procedure include:
- Avoid spitting. Spitting may dislodge any blood clots that have formed in the extraction site, which can increase your healing time and cause you to bleed more.
- Don’t smoke or use straws. Smoking and straw use creates pressure in your mouth that can dislodge blood clots. So avoid smoking completely and take small sips of liquids instead of using the suction of a straw.
- Elevate your head at night. When sleeping, keep your head above your heart to keep blood from pooling.
- Use ice packs to reduce swelling. Cold packs held against your outer cheeks reduce swelling and pain. Use the packs for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Use over-the-counter pain medications. Over-the-counter pain relievers, as recommended by your Stamford dentist, sufficiently reduce the pain and swelling in your mouth and gums.
- Get enough rest. Exercising isn’t recommended for several days following a tooth extraction. Support your body’s recovery by letting it rest. Get the sleep you need to heal.
- Don’t eat hard or crunchy foods. Avoid foods that may irritate your teeth and gums. Don’t eat foods that may get lodged in the extraction point.
This office is amazing! So comfortable! Dr. Modiri and Dr. Moghadam and all of the other employees are so kind and patient. I used to be scared of the dentist, but now I am so happy because Dr. Modiri uses laughing gas which made me so comfortable when I was getting my baby tooth taken out. Also, my teeth are getting straighter and my bad sleeping habits have gotten much better because of the healthy start program. I sleep so much better 😀
Listen to Your Stamford Dentist
While the most common tips from your dentist are straightforward and easy to understand, be sure to read any aftercare literature your dentist sends home with you after your surgery. Always call your dentist in Stamford if you have any questions about your tooth extraction recovery or if you experience the fever or swelling of a tooth extraction infection.
The dentists at Stamford Dental Arts are specialists in tooth extractions and make sure you’re able to enjoy your normal daily activities without oral pain. If you have any kind of tooth pain or feel that you may need a tooth removed, contact your Stamford dentist to set up an appointment sooner rather than later.
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