Post

When you have an extensive cavity that can’t be repaired with a filling or the structure of your teeth has been damaged due to gum disease, you may need a tooth extraction in Sioux City. This procedure may seem scary, but it’s a relatively smooth and easy process, especially with sedation options and the right tools.

Having a tooth pulled isn’t exciting for anyone. However, in certain cases, it is the only way to put a stop to decay, eliminate discomfort, and allow you to start exploring viable restorative dentistry options like dental implants. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect so you can overcome this process with ease.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Tooth Extraction Process

A tooth extraction, sometimes referred to as tooth removal, is a dental procedure in which a tooth that has decayed or been severely damaged is removed from its jawbone socket. There are several reasons why extraction may be necessary, including infection, overcrowding, trauma to the tooth, and even preparation for orthodontic treatment.

What’s the process for getting a tooth extracted?

1. Examination and Diagnosis

The process for getting a dental extraction starts with a thorough examination, in which your dentist will determine if you need a simple or surgical tooth extraction. There are two different types of dental extractions:

• During simple extractions, patients don’t require incisions and only need a local anesthetic.
• Surgical extractions are often performed by oral surgeons and may require general anesthesia.

To determine which type of extraction you’ll need, we will examine your medical history, check the damaged tooth, and take an X-ray to see what’s causing the issues in detail.

2. Extraction Surgery

Once the need for an extraction has been determined, we’ll schedule a date for surgery. Your dentist will administer anesthetic to the area around the tooth to ensure you don’t feel any discomfort during the process.

The tooth will then be freed from the fibers that hold it to the bone, making it easy to remove from the socket. As you can see, more time and effort are spent on the planning than on the actual removal itself.

An extraction can be completed in as little as 20 to 30 minutes, but multiple teeth may require an extra 15 minutes each. We will then give you post-operative instructions and apply pressure to the tooth socket to reduce bleeding.

3. Recovery Instructions After a Tooth Removal

Depending on the case, recovering from an extracted tooth can take two weeks or more. Still, following your dentist's instructions is fundamental to preventing an infection.

You might experience mild bleeding during the first and second days after an extraction. During this time, change the gauze until a blood clot forms and the bleeding stops.

If the pain is severe, your dentist will typically prescribe a pain reliever to help you through this period. If the swelling around your mouth is bothersome, you can apply an ice pack to the cheek outside the removal side to relieve the discomfort.

Besides easing discomfort, there are some instructions you must follow to prevent complications, such as avoiding strenuous activities, not using straws, and not drinking alcohol.

Get Your Needed Tooth Extraction in Sioux City

If you need a dental extraction, it’s time to stop putting it off. Besides increased discomfort, delaying treatment will allow the infection to spread in the long run, causing further damage and even more tooth loss.

We understand the process may seem scary, but here at Wheelock and Associates Dentistry, we’re well-equipped to make it a pain-free and smooth process. If you’d like to learn more about this, reach out!