Understanding Your Tooth Extraction Procedure
When a tooth becomes too damaged to repair, either from decay, disease, or trauma, and cannot be treated through conventional restorative procedures, a tooth extraction may be necessary. Parkway Dental in Albuquerque, NM, focuses on your comfort and offers sedation dentistry to help you relax during your procedure. When dental fillings, inlays or inlays, and dental crowns have been ruled out as treatment options, our team can provide you with a comprehensive overview of your tooth extraction procedure.
What Is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction involves removing a tooth from the socket that has been severely damaged as a result of decay, injury, or disease. While conservative methods are typically performed first to save a tooth, if the damage is too severe, the tooth will need to be removed to help you maintain optimal oral health. Tooth extractions may also be needed to create adequate spacing for nearby teeth or for impacted teeth that have failed to erupt.
When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?
Some of the most common reasons for a tooth extraction include:
- Severely decayed or cracked tooth that cannot be treated with a dental filling or dental crown
- Aggressive gum disease
- Overcrowding caused by a small mouth
- Partially or completely impacted teeth
- Impacted or infected wisdom teeth
- Baby teeth that have failed to fall out on their own
- Abscessed tooth that cannot be repaired through root canal therapy
Simple and Complex Tooth Extractions
At Parkway Dental, we perform both simple and complex tooth extractions. The type recommended will depend on the extent of damage and location of the tooth. Before the procedure begins, the tooth will be numbed with local anesthesia. We also offer sedation dentistry to create a stress-free and comfortable experience for our patients who struggle with dental anxiety.
Simple Tooth Extraction
When a tooth protrudes above the gum line, a simple extraction will be recommended. A special dental instrument will be used to loosen the tooth from the socket. We will grasp the anesthetized tooth and gently rock it back and forth before lifting it from the socket. Once the tooth is removed, gauze and pressure will be immediately applied to reduce bleeding. In some cases, dissolvable sutures may be required to promote faster healing.
Complex Tooth Extraction
If a tooth is impacted or broken at the gum line, a minor surgical procedure will be required to access the tooth. Once the area is numb and you are comfortable, we will make a small incision above the impacted tooth. To gain better access, a small amount of tissue may need to be removed. Much like a simple extraction, the tooth will be loosened and carefully lifted from the socket with forceps. Gauze and pressure will be applied and dissolvable sutures placed.
Steps to Take during Recovery
After your tooth extraction, you will be encouraged to gently bite down on the packed gauze to slow bleeding and help a blood clot form. If the bleeding persists, you can change the gauze every 30 minutes.
Once the area is completely healed, we can restore your missing tooth with a customized restoration.
It is important that you follow your post recovery instructions given to you by our Parkway Dental team. These are not recommendations, but guidelines designed to help you achieve a successful recovery. Some of the more common guidelines include:
- Take any medications as directed to assist with discomfort and treat any infection
- Apply an ice pack to your outer jaw to reduce swelling and bruising
- Rest with your head elevated and avoid strenuous activity
- Keep the surgical site packed with clean gauze to prevent infection
- Keep the surgical site clean by rinsing with warm salt water
- Use gentle brushing techniques
- Avoid smoking or using tobacco products
- Avoid drinking from a straw for at least one week to prevent a dry socket
- Eat softer foods for the first few days to avoid irritating the surgical site
Once the area is completely healed, we can restore your missing tooth with a customized restoration. We offer traditional dental bridges, as well as dental crowns, bridges, and dentures that can be supported by dental implants.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
It is important that you schedule a consultation with our office if you are experiencing ongoing dental pain, as you may be in need of a tooth extraction. Contact us online or call Parkway Dental at (505) 298-7479.
