Although keeping your natural teeth is ideal, it isn’t always possible for a variety of reasons. Dr. Jason Dulgarian may recommend tooth extraction in the following situations:
- You previously had a root canal but the procedure was unable to save your tooth
- Severe decay that cannot be treated by filling the tooth
- You have sustained significant trauma to one or more teeth and they cannot be saved
- You will be starting orthodontic treatment and need to have a tooth or teeth removed due to overcrowding
- Wisdom teeth or other extra teeth that serve no useful purpose
- You request to have a tooth extracted for aesthetic reasons
Dr. Dulgarian always explains the reason for recommending a tooth extraction as well as what you can expect from the procedure.
The Procedure to Extract a Tooth
Before he gets started, Dr. Dulgarian needs you to complete a medical history form and list all medications you take. This is to ensure your safety during and after the tooth extraction procedure. On the day of your appointment, he injects anesthetic near the tooth and gum area to minimize your discomfort.
After ensuring that the anesthesia is working and you are comfortable, Dr. Dulgarian expands your tooth socket and separates it from its ligament. He uses a dental elevator or forceps to apply firm pressure during the expansion process. The pressure loosens your tooth so it comes out with little additional effort. Once your tooth is out, he places clean gauze in your mouth and instructs you to bite down firmly on it. This helps to control the bleeding. He also cleans and inspects your mouth one last time before you go home.
What to Expect After the Procedure
You shouldn’t feel surprised if mild throbbing pain and tenderness persists for a few days after the extraction. Dr. Dulgarian will speak to you about pain relief methods at home. We recommend avoiding aspirin since it can prolong the bleeding. Ibuprofen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) would be a better option. Since the bleeding will be persistent during the first 24 hours, plan to have a package of clean gauze available. Bite down on the pad just as you did in the office and be sure to replace it with a new one when it becomes blood-soaked.
You can also shorten your recovery time by following these tips:
- Eat only soft foods the first few days
- Do not consume hot drinks
- Avoid rinsing your mouth or spitting into the sink
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol
- Avoid strenuous workouts
- Use an extra pillow to sleep at night
If you do all this and your pain or bleeding continues, please do not hesitate to contact Citrus Valley for an immediate appointment.