What to Expect When Having a Tooth Extracted

There are a few different reasons why you might need to get a tooth extracted. Perhaps there simply isn’t enough room for all of your teeth to fit so you’re experiencing tooth crowding. Maybe your wisdom teeth are coming in at an angle and it’s posing a problem to your dental health. It could also be that you’re experiencing a severe infection that other options like a tooth filling, root canal or dental crown can’t fix.

Whatever the reason may be, if your dentist told you that you need to get a tooth extracted, you may be wondering what to expect. It’s normal to feel a little anxious about such a procedure. Here’s some information to help you feel more informed and comfortable about the process.

During the Tooth Extraction Procedure

There are two main types of tooth extractions: simple and surgical. Simple tooth extractions are when the tooth is loosened and then removed. Surgical extractions require going into the gum to take out the tooth. What kind of extraction you get will depend on your situation. In both cases local anesthetic is used so that you don’t experience any pain. At most you may feel some pressure. Additionally, you may get nitrous oxide, which can help calm your nerves and make the procedure fly by in a flash.

After the Tooth Extraction

After your tooth has been extracted, the healing process begins. To help move your recovery along, you should stick to eating soft foods like mashed potatoes and yogurt for the next couple of days. You should also avoid using a straw or smoking since both can irritate the extraction site. If you’re feeling discomfort as the area heals, you can take over-the-counter pain medication. The complete healing process can take a few weeks, but if you feel like things aren’t moving in the right direction, you should reach out to your dentist.

Oral Surgery in Spartanburg & Inman

Have more questions about tooth extractions or any other dental procedure? Contact us at Meadow Creek Family Dentistry! At our practices in Spartanburg and Inman, we provide comprehensive dentistry for the whole family so we are there to help in any way that we can. Feel free to call one of our offices or click the contact link to get in touch with our team!

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Categorised in: Family Dental Care, Oral Health, Oral Surgery