What to Expect from a Tooth Extraction

While a tooth extraction near San Josemay seem frightening, the procedure will ease the painful symptoms of tooth decay, gum disease, or impacted wisdom teeth, and will reduce your risk for future dental problems. You can replace your missing teeth with dental implants for a natural look and feel. Prior to visiting your dental office for a tooth extraction, you can calm your nerves by learning about what you can expect during the procedure.

Prior to Your Tooth Extraction

Before your tooth extraction, you’ll visit your dental office for a consultation with your dentist. Your dentist will need to know your entire medical history, including any medications you’re on, any allergies you have, and whether you’ve undergone any previous dental care procedures. Your dentist will perform an oral exam to check for signs of infection and gum disease. If you are suffering from gum disease or infection, your dentist will postpone your tooth extraction until your infection has cleared up, or you have undergone periodontal treatment for your gum disease.

The Tooth Extraction Procedure

Your dentist will administer a local anesthetic prior to your tooth extraction. He may use a general anesthetic if he is extracting multiple teeth, or severely impacted wisdom teeth. If your wisdom teeth are impacted, your dentist will need to remove any gum tissue or bone that is in the way of the tooth. Any incisions will be closed using stitches or self-dissolving dental sutures. Your dentist will place gauze in your tooth socket to stimulate clotting and protect the area from infection.

Dental Care and Dental Hygiene After a Tooth Extraction

Recovery from a tooth extraction may take one to three days, depending upon the complexity of the procedure and the number of teeth that were extracted. Your dentist may prescribe painkillers, or you can take over the counter anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen. You should not remove the gauze from your tooth socket for at least three to four hours. Avoid using a straw, rinsing your mouth out, or spitting for the first 24 hours. After 24 hours, you can resume your regular dental hygiene routine, taking care to avoid the extraction site. You can also talk to your dentist about dental implants.