Extractions
Sometimes it becomes essential for a tooth to be removed because of crowding, disease or trauma. Despite the reason, we use a conservative approach with all tooth extractions. While the title of “oral surgery” sounds serious, most oral surgeries and extractions are routine procedures. Dr. Faiella will perform your procedure with expert skill to ensure the most comfortable recovery and the best possible result.
If not removed, a tooth that needs to be extracted can become problematic, resulting in pain, infection and other dental problems. But getting them removed doesn’t have to be an ordeal. The difficulty of the procedure varies depending on the case and the patient. However anesthesia is used to numb the area and prevent pain during the procedure.
Reasons for Tooth Extractions
- Severe tooth decay or infection
- Extra teeth that are blocking other teeth from growing in
- Severe gum disease
- To make room for orthodontic treatment
- The tooth can not be restored endodontically
- Fractured teeth
- To make room for a dental prosthesis (i.e.: bridge or denture)
- Cosmetic reasons
Types of Dental Extractions
- They are performed on teeth that can be seen in the mouth.
- They are removed due to decay or injury and are usually performed under a local anesthetic.
- During this procedure, Dr. Faiella will grasp the tooth with forceps and loosen it by moving the forceps back and forth. The loosened tooth will then easily come out.
- Performed on teeth that have broken off at the gum line or that have not yet come in (ie: wisdom teeth).
- Depending on the condition of the tooth that needs to be removed, Dr. Faiella may refer you to an oral surgeon, especially if general anesthesia is recommended
- After numbing the area with local anesthesia, the doctor will have to cut and pull back the gums, which allows access and visibility to the area. The tooth is then removed, and sutures are placed.
Aftercare Instructions After Tooth Removal
- Bleeding after an extraction is completely normal. Gauze will be placed over the site to stop any residual bleeding and promote clotting. You will be instructed to leave the gauze in place for 3-4 hours following your tooth extraction, changing it out as necessary. Once active bleeding stops, this gauze can be removed.
- To promote clotting, we recommend patients avoid rinsing, smoking, and drinking through a straw for 24 hours.
- The doctor will discuss pain medication recommendations with you after the procedure. Very often over-the-counter Ibuprofen or Tylenol will be sufficient for pain control, other times you may be prescribed something stronger.
- To help with pain and swelling, ice can be applied to the side of your face in twenty-minute intervals.
- Plan to rest for 24 hours after the procedure
- You can start rinsing (the day after the extraction) with warm salt water to promote healing. Just be sure to avoid spitting which may disrupt the clot
- Eat softer foods for the first week such as pasta, eggs, fish, yogurt, soup, pudding and soft cooked vegetables. Avoid sharp foods, such as potato chips. For the first few days, avoid extremes: very hot, very cold or acidic/spicy foods.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever and chills
- Redness and swelling
- Excessive discharge
- Cough, trouble breathing, or chest pain
Dental Treatments
