What to Expect from a Tooth Extraction Procedure

Dental care is necessary for our daily lives because we would have a hard time without teeth, especially when it comes to eating and speaking. Now, when we talk about tooth extractions, it sounds a little daunting when how things actually are. When you turn to a skilled general dentist in Denver, they will provide expert and comfortable treatment.

Getting your tooth extracted doesn't sound so good, but it is beneficial for your health if other treatments don’t work. This procedure will not only make your dental health improve, but it will also help boost your confidence once you get a quality restoration.

What Is a Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extractions are commonly an outpatient procedure to remove a problematic tooth from your mouth. They are frequently done whenever a patient shows signs of teeth overcrowding or severe damage.

This procedure ensures that your other teeth are saved from any type of infection that can seep between the teeth and gums. When your teeth experience severe cases of dental issues, the dentist may consider a tooth extraction.

Extracting a tooth is a safe procedure but can still have risks and complications depending on a patient's health. This can be discussed with your dentist if you have any concerns or questions.

Types of Extractions

There are two types of extractions - a simple extraction and surgical extraction. The dentist chooses either of the two based on what they find in your physical examination of the teeth.

Simple Extraction

A simple extraction is a simple procedure, and the name says it all - simple. The dentist will administer anesthesia to the area inside the patient's mouth without pain. They will then loosen the teeth using an elevator instrument, and the forceps will remove them.

Surgical Extraction

A surgical extraction is a more complex extraction that requires the dentist to make an incision in the gums. This method is commonly used when there are signs of a broken tooth at the gum line or simply, the tooth hasn't come out of the gums.

The surgical extraction will need more than one type of numbing medicine on the patient to ensure no pain to experience during the surgery.  

Why Are Teeth Removed?

There are many reasons why the teeth will need to be removed from the mouth. These reasons can directly influence and affect your dental health and overall health.

Decay and Infection

Decay will naturally lead to infection when the cause is not addressed, and nothing was done to remedy the decay of the teeth. Decay will cause many other complications inside the mouth that won't only affect the teeth but also the gums.

Trauma or Injury

Trauma or injuries are pretty common occurrences, but these need special attention because any sign of trauma or injury directed towards the teeth will have some negative impacts. There may also be hidden problems that the gums are covering and will need a detailed examination.

Baby Teeth

Our baby teeth will fall out eventually, so the permanent teeth can replace them, but there are cases when the baby teeth do not fall out in time while the permanent teeth are already growing behind them. This will distort the growth and lead to crooked teeth or even pain.  

Impacted Teeth

An impacted tooth is a condition where the teeth that have yet to come out and is stuck beneath the gums. This condition will cause overcrowding and may also cause discomfort to the individual.

Overcrowding Teeth

Overcrowding teeth need order, and the dentist can make sure that the teeth will stay where they are supposed to be. This may cause major discomfort to the patient, and it needs to be remedied to resume the function of the teeth without pain.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth can often become impacted and may cause swelling, pain, and discomfort. The dentist will need to remove the tooth in these cases. This procedure will help the teeth because wisdom teeth can cause overcrowding when the gums have no space.

What to Expect from a Tooth Extraction

What the Dentist Needs to Know

The dentist will need to know in advance if you have any issues with anesthesia that will be used during the extraction procedure. This is for the patient's safety, and it will help that the dentist knows in advance when you can have the process to avoid accidents.

Since medication can affect the procedure and maybe the anesthetics being used, the dentist will also need to know what medications you are taking so there will be no conflict with the dentist's prescribed medicine. Below are health problems that the dentist needs to know:

• Damaged heart valves
• Impaired immune system
• Liver disease
• Blood clotting related disease
• Congenital heart defects

Will I Feel pain?

Pain is something that many are afraid of, but the dentist will ensure that you are comfortable during the procedure and that you are relaxed and calm.

The dentist will use anesthetics, and the number of drugs being used will depend on the severity of the procedure. There's also a possibility that the dentist will use more than one to numb you.

Risks

Risk is always there whenever there are operations like a tooth extraction. There are not many complications that can arise in tooth extraction, but the possibility of getting an infection is a factor that can be considered when you don't follow the aftercare instructions that were designed for you.

Below are possible risks that you may encounter:

• Nausea
• Cough
• Chest pain
• Infection
• Bleeding that lasts longer than 12 hours
• Swelling and pain

Aftercare

Aftercare is a necessary step after the extraction. Strictly following the advice of the dentist will ensure that the area will recover faster. This will also help the patient manage the after the procedure. Below is the standard aftercare that you need to know:

• Frequent change of dental gauze to control bleeding
• Controlling pain through the prescribed pain medications  

• Icing the area to lessen the swelling
• Avoid disturbing the extraction site
• Eat what is advised
• Brush and floss your teeth

How Much Does Tooth Extraction Cost?

Extraction costs will depend on the place because prices will vary in different areas. And the type of extraction will also add to the difference in the expenses. You can check your insurance to see if it can cover the costs of the dental extractions.

Looking for a General Dentist in Denver?

Now that you know what to expect from tooth extraction, you should also remember that it may be necessary, so pay attention to signs that you need one. You can visit a general dentist in Denver by heading over to Makowski Dental for an appointment.