Dental Extractions
At Glenpool Dentistry, our team places patient comfort at the forefront of everything we do. If you believe you might need to get a dental extraction, then we can help you with the immediate removal of a tooth and provide you with a range of options for replacing a missing tooth after the extraction.
Dental extractions are a relatively quick process and are typically performed under a local anesthetic right here at our office. We have the expertise to handle all types of extractions even if the tooth is broken or impacted.
Reasons for pulling a tooth
Although many people will get their wisdom teeth extracted in their early adulthood, there are other situations that arise where a dental extraction is necessary. This could be due to crowding of the teeth, infection, or severe tooth decay. If a patient is due to get braces, they may require a dental extraction in order to make room for their other teeth as they move into place. Compromised teeth may also need to be extracted for medical reasons, such as is the case with anybody who requires an organ transplant or who may be undergoing chemotherapy.
What to expect from a tooth extraction?
The procedure for a dental extraction will be either surgical or simple; this will depend on whether or not the tooth is broken, impacted, or visible.
In the event of a simple tooth extraction, you will receive local anesthetic. This will numb the area surrounding the tooth that will be extracted. This means you will not feel any pain during the procedure. Instead, you will feel pressure being applied as the tooth is removed.
If a tooth is required to be surgically extracted, Dr. Roulston will use special instruments to make a small incision in the gum tissue, remove minimal bone, or section the tooth to aid in removal. As always, patients will be given local anesthetic to create numbness and reduce any sensation of pain. Conscious sedation may be utilized when desired or warranted to lessen the severity of the sensation of pushing and pressure.
Preparing for a tooth extraction
Before your appointment for the dental extraction, Dr. Roulston will need to take an up-to-date x-ray of the tooth. They will also need to know about any medications you might be taking, including over-the-counter medication or supplements, along with any medical conditions of note. While many medical conditions will not prevent you from having a dental extraction, Dr. Roulston will want to ensure any conditions you have are either treated or stable prior to having the extraction.
Extraction Aftercare
Recovery periods following a tooth extraction can vary. Usually, it will only take a matter of days to recover, and there is a range of things you can do to support your recovery process.
Directly following your procedure, an ice pack should be applied to your cheek; this can help to reduce any swelling. Typically over-the-counter medications are sufficient for managing any discomfort you may have after treatment. You will be informed what pain medication to take and at what frequency; it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions.
For at least 24-hours after the extraction, it’s important to relax and take things slow. If you smoke, you should not do this for at least 48-hours. You will also need to eat soft foods for a few days following your treatment, and while you should brush your teeth as normal, it’s important to avoid brushing the site of the extraction as this will likely be tender and swollen.