Tooth Extractions
Relieve Your Pain and Protect Your Oral Health
Dr. Milewski and the rest of our team are committed to helping you achieve and maintain oral health. Most of the time, reaching that goal involves repairing damaged teeth and performing basic preventive care. However, in some cases, tooth extractions are necessary. This page discusses reasons for tooth extractions and what you can expect during and after this restorative procedure.
Reasons for Tooth Extractions
There are a number of reasons why we may recommend that you have a tooth removed:
- Decay has damaged a tooth to the point where a filling or crown would be unable to save it.
- A trauma has broken a tooth, and there is no way to repair it.
- The mouth is overcrowded, and it is necessary to remove teeth in order to make room for orthodontic treatment.
- A child’s primary tooth has been in the mouth for too long and is endangering the health of incoming adult teeth.
- A wisdom tooth is causing damage to other teeth or is experiencing other problems.
- A patient has already suffered some tooth loss, and extractions are necessary to make room for dentures.
Types of Tooth Extractions
There are two types of tooth extractions:
- During a simple extraction, we numb the tooth and the area around it. Then, your dentist gently rocks the tooth back and forth to break the ligaments that attach it to the surrounding bone.
- Surgical extractions are often necessary for teeth that have not fully emerged from the gum line (as is usually the case with wisdom teeth). For this procedure, Dr. Milewski may have to create an incision in the gums or break a tooth into pieces in order to remove it.
Regardless of which type of extraction you undergo, you can be confident that your comfort is one of our top priorities. You should feel little to nothing during your tooth extraction.
After an Extraction
The soft tissue at an extraction site heals fairly quickly. In fact, you should be back to feeling normal within a few days to a week following your procedure. To make sure your recovery goes as smoothly as possible, follow these tips:
- Don’t use a straw or smoke for a few days. These actions can dislodge the natural blood clot that forms over an extraction site and thus lead to a painful condition known as dry socket.
- Eat soft foods. Applesauce, yogurt, and soup are all good food choices in the days after an extraction. It’s even okay to indulge in a little ice cream!
- Rest. You should avoid strenuous exercises for a few days after your procedure. Listen to your body and give it the rest it needs.
- Be careful when you brush and floss. Oral hygiene is important, but you have to be careful around the extraction site so you don’t dislodge the blood clot or cause yourself unnecessary pain.
Do you believe you may need a tooth extraction or other restorative dental procedure? Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Milewski.