A good dentist will do their best to prevent extracting a tooth. Nothing can replace the comfort of your natural teeth, which is why preventive dental care is so important. Even when you are regular with your dental appointments, you may end up with a tooth concern that requires extraction. It could be a case of extreme decay, gum infection, and advanced periodontal disease. If there is no room to protect and preserve a tooth, it is necessary to decide to extract it. Before you visit a Kings Mountain general dentist for an extraction, here’s what you must know.
The basics
There are two kinds of extractions – surgical and straightforward. A simple extraction involves rocking the tooth to remove it, while a surgical extraction is more complicated and requires oral surgery. There are many reasons why you may need the latter, including –
- Periodontal disease that has loosened the roots of a tooth
- An extra tooth
- Making room for orthodontic treatment
- Failed root canal treatment
- Removing a malformed tooth
- A fractured tooth
- Severe sensitivity and decay
What is involved in a simple extraction?
The first step is consultation, and your dentist may order X-rays to see the position of the tooth. Once you agree to the procedure, they will use local anesthesia that will ensure you don’t feel any pain. The dentist will use a special tool called the elevator to lift the tooth, which will help loosen the gum tissues. The idea is to rock the affected tooth, and the dentist will use forceps to remove the tooth. In many cases, the tooth may not come out through a simple extraction, which may require breaking it into pieces. Following removal, your dentist will pack gauze in the socket. You may need stitches too.
Does extracting a tooth hurt?
The answer is no. Your dentist will only proceed with the extraction if the local anesthesia has taken effect. You will not feel any pain, although it is common to feel some pressure.
Other things to know
You may need to take antibiotics and other medications as suggested by your dentist. Do not try to drink with a straw and have an ice cream after the extraction. You should eat soft foods for the next couple of days. If you are sick right before the procedure or a week prior, let your dentist know so that they can reschedule the same.
Ensure to take a pair of headphones to distract yourself during the procedure.