For most patients, the prospect of needing to get a tooth extracted is fairly common. Outside of the typical wisdom teeth removal procedure, your dentist may recommend extraction for damage, decay, and excessive crowding. If you need a tooth extraction in Fayetteville, AR, it’s important to know what to expect and how to care for the site properly. Depending on the complexity of your case, your dentist may be able to extract the tooth quickly with local anesthesia. But you may need a more invasive procedure for impacted teeth.
How to Have a Successful Tooth Extraction in Fayetteville, AR
If your dentist recommends a tooth extraction, it’s natural to feel a little apprehensive about the process. But in many cases, an extraction can often protect you from further damage and even more invasive treatment needs. If a tooth has suffered extensive damage or decay, it can quickly affect neighboring teeth and even lead to gum disease. And if you have excessive crowding caused by malocclusion or wisdom teeth development, your teeth are at a greater risk of suffering fractures or enamel loss. Extraction can often help save your oral health and restore your bite.
Getting the Extraction
If you experience fear or anxiety before your appointment, it’s a good idea to call your dentist ahead of time and express your concerns. Your dentist may be able to schedule additional treatment time to help you feel more comfortable and relaxed before and after your appointment. They may also be able to provide sedation methods that can help calm you before the extraction.
During the extraction, your dentist will provide a local anesthetic that numbs the nerves around the affected area. You will likely still experience some pressure as the tooth is extracted, but pain and discomfort should be minimal. If you do experience any pain or negative sensations, let your dentist know right away. It could be that the anesthetic didn’t settle in properly, and they can assess the situation to provide better care for you.
Post-Extraction
Taking care of the extraction site after your appointment is crucial. Your dentist will likely apply cotton or gauze to the site to help with clotting. It’s highly important that you do not remove the gauze until your dentist says so. This can sometimes be a few hours. It’s natural to experience minor bleeding and some swelling in the area. If symptoms persist for longer than a day or you experience high levels of pain or discomfort, contact your dentist for further evaluation. The most important thing to remember after getting an extraction is to not drink through a straw, smoke, or perform any other sucking motions. This can cause the clot to come loose, leading to a dry socket.
Restoration
With the exception of wisdom teeth removal, your dentist will likely recommend a replacement option for an extracted tooth to help restore your bite and smile. There are many options available, but a single dental implant is often the most recommended. Your dentist can help you decide which treatment is right for your mouth.
If you need a tooth extracted, Greenway Dental Care is here to help. Give us a call at (479) 217-3178 to schedule a consultation and learn more about the extraction process.