A Step-by-Step Guide to Safe Removal
Tooth extractions are a common dental procedure at Lucas Dental in South Plympton that may be necessary for a variety of reasons, including severe decay, infection, overcrowding or trauma. Whether you’re dealing with impacted teeth, wisdom teeth removal, or preparing for orthodontic treatment, extractions are often the best way to maintain oral health. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about tooth extractions, from the procedure to recovery and aftercare. If you want to book an appointment at Lucas Dental in the South Plympton area you can book . You can contact us here – 08 8293 2086 or email us here – [email protected] .
Why Do You Need a Tooth Extraction?
Tooth Decay and Infection
In cases of severe tooth decay or a tooth infection, extraction may be required if the tooth is beyond saving. When decay reaches the inner part of the tooth (known as the pulp), it can lead to significant pain and infection, spreading to other areas of the mouth if left untreated. In such cases, tooth extractions help prevent the spread of infection and preserve overall oral health.
Overcrowding and Orthodontic Treatment
Sometimes tooth extractions are necessary to create space in the mouth, especially before orthodontic treatments like braces. Removing teeth can help make sure there is enough room for teeth to align correctly. This is very common for children and teens preparing for orthodontic care.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most tooth extractions. Impacted wisdom teeth, which fail to fully emerge or grow at the wrong angle, can cause pain, infection, or damage to surrounding teeth. Removing these impacted teeth before they cause serious problems is often recommended by one of our friendly staff members.
You can book in to get expert advice at Lucas Dental with one of our 3 dentists if you’re experiencing wisdom teeth discomfort.
Trauma or Injury
In cases where a tooth has been damaged beyond repair due to trauma or injury, a tooth extraction may be necessary. This helps to make sure that the damage does not affect surrounding teeth or lead to infection.
Types of Tooth Extractions – Simple vs Surgical Extraction
Simple Extraction
A simple extraction is performed when the tooth is visible above the gumline and can be easily removed using forceps. This procedure is typically done under local anesthesia and is relatively quick and straightforward. Many patients require simple extractions for teeth that are decayed or damaged but not impacted.
At Lucas Dental we can help with simple tooth extractions – . We are a inviting and compassionate practice and your wellbeing always comes first at Lucas Dental.
Surgical Extraction
For teeth that are not easily accessible like impacted teeth, surgical extraction is required. This involves making an incision in the gum and possibly removing some bone around the tooth. Wisdom teeth removal often falls under this category, especially when the teeth are impacted. This procedure may involve local anesthesia or sedation to keep you comfortable.
What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction
The Extraction Procedure
During the tooth extraction procedure, your one of our friendly staff members will begin by administering local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. If necessary, sedation may be used for more complex extractions. Once the area is numb, one of our friendly staff members will carefully loosen the tooth using special tools before removing it. For surgical extractions, the dentist may need to make an incision in the gum to access the tooth.
Pain Management During the Procedure
Whether you are having a simple extraction or a more complex surgical extraction, one of our friendly staff members will make sure that you are comfortable throughout the process by using local anesthesia to numb the area.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Managing Pain and Swelling
After the extraction, it’s common to experience some swelling and discomfort. To manage this, apply ice packs to the outside of your face and take any prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications as directed by our team. This will help minimize swelling and relieve any discomfort you may feel after the procedure.
Preventing Infection
To prevent infection after a tooth removal, it’s important to follow your one of our friendly staff members’s aftercare instructions carefully. This includes keeping the extraction site clean, avoiding smoking, and using any prescribed antibiotics. Good oral hygiene and proper aftercare are essential for a smooth recovery after a tooth extraction. If you’re in the the South Plympton area area you can book with Lucas Dental today for an appointment to discuss your oral surgery needs.
When to Eat and Drink
Stick to soft foods for the first few days after a tooth extraction. Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods that could irritate the extraction site. Drinking plenty of fluids is important, but avoid using a straw, as the suction can dislodge the clot that forms in the socket and it’s important to keep it intact.
Dealing with Bleeding and Clot Formation
It’s normal to experience some bleeding after a tooth extraction. To promote clot formation and prevent excessive bleeding, bite down on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes immediately after the extraction. If bleeding persists, apply a fresh gauze pad and contact one of our friendly staff members if necessary. Clot formation is very important to avoid complications like dry socket, a painful condition where the clot is dislodged.
Recovery Timeline for Tooth Extractions
Healing Process
The healing process for tooth extractions varies depending on the procedure. For most patients, the initial healing takes about 1-2 weeks. During this time, it’s important to avoid any strenuous activity and to follow aftercare instructions closely to help with the healing journey.
Follow-Up Appointments
one of our friendly staff members may schedule a follow-up appointment to check on the healing process and make sure there aren’t any complications. During this visit, we can also provide further advice on aftercare and answer any questions you might have.
How to prevent tooth extraction
As always here at Lucas Dental we believe prevention is better than cure and it’s best to avoid a tooth extraction if you’re able to. Maintaining a healthy diet that’s low in sugar will help to stop the progression of cavities and tooth decay. Brush and floss your teeth regularly, wear a sport guard when engaging in rough activities and visit us promptly if you have a fractured tooth so we can repair it before it escalates.
You can book in to see us . We’ve been in the industry for 20 years, we have 3 dentists on our team and we’re open from
Frequently Asked Questions
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Safe and Effective Tooth Extractions
If you’re experiencing pain or infection and think you may need a tooth extraction, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with the team at Lucas Dental in the South Plympton area. You can book here.