Tooth extractions are not uncommon general dental procedures. Many teens and young adults must have their wisdom teeth extracted, in addition to dental problems such as tooth infection, overcrowding, and excessive tooth decay. Furthermore, if you’re about to get braces, you may need a few teeth removed to make room for your teeth as they shift into alignment. Additionally, if you need to undergo an organ transplant or chemotherapy, your doctor may want you to get any unhealthy teeth removed to ensure that you stay fit. If you need dental extractions, contact Supreme Dentistry by calling 844.966.2333 today.
What Are Dental Extractions?
A dental extraction is a procedure that your dentist or oral surgeon will perform. This outpatient process is usually relatively quick and can utilize general, local, and/or intravenous anesthesia, depending on the condition of the tooth. Removing a visible tooth is comparatively simple, while teeth that are below the surface, broken, or impactive require a slightly more invasive procedure.
Preparing for a Dental Extraction
Before your dentist schedules dental extractions, they will take X-rays of your teeth. They will also ask you about medications that you’re on and whether you take supplements, vitamins, or other over-the-counter medications. You should also tell them if you have conditions, such as:
- Liver disease
- Heart defects or damaged heart valves
- Kidney disease
- Thyroid disease
- Adrenal disease
- An impaired immune system
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Artificial joints
Your dental professional will need to make certain arrangements to ensure your safety before the procedure. They may also ask you to take antibiotics in the weeks leading up to the procedure if you have one of the medical conditions above, or they expect your surgery to be longer than average.
The Day of the Procedure
On the day of the procedure, try to wear loose-fitting, short-sleeved shirts. Don’t smoke, eat, or drink in the six to eight hours prior to your appointment. If you have a cold or were nauseous or vomiting the night before your procedure, let your dentist know. They may want to reschedule the appointment. If your procedure requires general anesthesia, make sure you bring someone along who can drive you home.
The dental extraction will be either surgical or simple. If the extraction is simple, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic, meaning that they will numb the area around the tooth. As a result, you’ll just feel a bit of pressure while the dentist works. They will then use dental instruments to loosen and remove the tooth.
If you’re getting a surgical extraction, you will probably receive local and intravenous anesthesia to help you stay calm and relaxed. Depending on your medical conditions, they may also give you general anesthesia, meaning that you will be unconscious while the dentist works. Then, the dentist will cut into your gum and work on removing the tooth. They may have to cut your tooth or remove the bone around it before they can extract it.
After the Procedure
It may take a couple of days to recover from your dental extractions. After the procedure, apply an icepack to your cheek. Bite down on the gauze pad your dentist will apply to reduce bleeding. Leave it in place for the next three to four hours. Make sure that you follow all of your dentist’s instructions about how to care for your oral health.
Learn More About Our General Dentistry at Supreme Dentistry
At Supreme Dentistry, we’re proud to provide a range of helpful services to our patients. Our service options include:
- Teeth cleaning
- Veneers
- Teeth whitening
- Family dentistry
- Dental implants
To learn more about our services or to schedule dental extractions, contact us today by calling 844.966.2333. Check out these blogs about dental extractions and other topics: