A tooth extraction is an important dental procedure that may be a necessary for several different reasons. Your dentist will only recommend extraction to restore and protect your oral health. A tooth extraction should be a last resort. The dental team at Claremont Dental Institute can provide you with a tooth extraction in Claremont, CA if you absolutely need it to support your oral health.
When is it Necessary to Extract a Tooth?
A tooth extraction will be necessary in cases where trauma or decay has damaged the tooth beyond repair. A tooth extraction can also help prevent secondary dental health concerns from developing. For example, if the damage kills the tooth root or the dentist cannot repair the tooth using restorative dental procedures.
Visiting the dentist at least two times every year can help prevent the need for a tooth extraction. Routine dental health exams allow our dentist to diagnose developing dental concerns early on. That way our dentist can address decay or infections using non-invasive treatments and not have to remove your natural teeth.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom tooth removal is a common procedure for young adults in their late teens to early twenties. This is when the wisdom teeth typically begin to emerge. Overcrowded or impacted teeth often need extraction.
As the last molars emerge from the gum line, wisdom teeth can force the bite to shift. This scenario can create crooked teeth and an uncomfortable bite.
Wisdom tooth removal is a routine dental procedure available in the comfort of our Claremont, CA dental office. Typically patients require only a local anesthetic, but we may provide dental sedation upon request for optimal comfort.
Patient Review
What To Expect When You Have a Tooth Extracted
A tooth extraction is a surgical procedure that requires the removal of the entire tooth system. Are you dreading your upcoming tooth extraction? We understand that sometimes a tooth extraction can seem like a daunting task. But there’s no need to worry!
At our Claremont dental office, we make the tooth extraction process as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Before we start, you’ll have a consultation with our dentist. He will explain the process and answer any questions you have about our affordable tooth extractions. He will also help you decide if a local anesthetic or dental sedation is the best choice for you.
Our patients can choose a local anesthetic or may discuss their sedation options with our dentist before treatment. A certified anesthesiologist will closely monitor all patients under IV sedation.
During your tooth removal visit, we’ll make sure that you’re as comfortable as possible. First we will numb your mouth. The numbing agent we use will minimize any discomfort, and your dentist will work to extract the tooth quickly and safely.
Then our dentist will gently remove the tooth from the socket by the roots. We remove the entire tooth and clean and suture the empty socket to reduce the risk of infection.
After the procedure, we will give you extensive post-care instructions. The instructions will include aftercare and monitoring to ensure that your recovery goes smoothly. We also recommend plenty of rest, and avoiding hard or crunchy food for a quick and comfortable recovery. Most patients return to their routine within a day or two with over-the-counter pain relief.
The patients who choose to replace their missing teeth will schedule a return visit for their dental implant(s) placement. Dental implants replace the missing root structure. They also provide stable and lasting support for a prosthetic tooth.
Do’s and Don’ts Before a Tooth Extraction
Before undergoing the procedure, it is important to understand the do’s and don’ts of tooth extraction preparation. By understanding these do’s and don’ts, you can prepare for your upcoming tooth extraction with confidence. You will heal quickly after the procedure and have a successful and safe outcome.
Do’s
- Visit your dentist for a professional opinion before considering a tooth extraction.
- Make sure to brush and floss properly before the extraction.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing for the procedure.
- Eat a light meal 6 hours before the extraction to keep you at a manageable level of comfort during the procedure.
- Only take necessary medications as prescribed by your doctor before and after the extraction.
- Ask your dentist to explain the procedure and what type of anesthetic he or she will be using.
- Maintain good oral hygiene after the extraction to help promote healing.
Don’ts
- Do not smoke or use any other recreational drugs before and after the extraction.
- Do not take any over-the-counter pain relief medications before the extraction.
- Don’t eat hard or crunchy foods after the extraction as this could disrupt the healing process.
- Don’t force the extraction in any way as this can lead to injury.
- Don’t consume hot liquids after the extraction as this can affect the healing process.
Dental Implants for Tooth Replacement
Claremont Dental Institute provides full-service dental implant treatment plans to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are the most natural solution for restoring your smile’s health, stability, and comfort post tooth loss.
After tooth extraction, it is generally best to replace the missing tooth as soon as possible. Replacing missing teeth can prevent gum disease, bone loss, and shifting teeth and improve oral health.
In some cases, your dentist may be able to extract a tooth and place a dental implant in a single visit. Patients who require multiple tooth extractions may qualify for the All-On-Four teeth in a day.
Our dentist will discuss your options for replacing extracted teeth with you. We will base this on the health of your jawbone, gums, and overall oral wellness. To learn about our implant dentistry, see Dental implants.
You Can Also Replace The Tooth With a Dental Bridge
If you do not qualify for a dental implant, a dental bridge is also a safe replaceable choice. A bridge offers aesthetic and functional benefits and will adequately fill in the gap left by the missing tooth. This standard dental restoration will effectively restore your ability to chew and speak properly. Also, it will help keep your remaining teeth in alignment, preventing them from shifting and leading to potential bite issues.
The procedure involves creating a bridge anchored to the adjacent teeth, providing a durable and stable solution. Opting for a dental bridge after an extraction can significantly improve oral health and restore the confidence that comes with a complete smile. To learn more about the dental bridge procedure, see Dental Bridges.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
We understand that a tooth extraction can be daunting. But our friendly staff is here to make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible. If you have questions about the procedure, please refer to this frequently asked questions section about tooth extractions. Give us a call if you have any additional questions.
What are the restrictions after a tooth extraction?
Patients should limit physical activity for at least 24 hours. Patients should also avoid hard or chewy food and stick to a soft diet until the extraction site begins to heal.
How long does it take for a socket to heal after tooth extraction?
On average, it takes between 10 days to 2 weeks for the socket of a tooth to heal fully. If your tooth socket does not start healing after 10 days, call our dentist. We will schedule an appointment to check up on your healing.
Should I fear having one or more teeth extracted?
No, you should not fear tooth extraction. Fortunately, because of advancements in modern dentistry, tooth extraction is a simple, safe process. We have many options to make you feel comfortable and relaxed during the tooth extraction procedure. We can use a local anesthetic, laughing gas, or even full anesthesia for a complicated tooth extraction.
How soon can I resume normal activities after a tooth extraction?
Most patients should rest for about 24 to 48 hours post-extraction to allow for initial healing and to minimize bleeding. You must avoid strenuous activities for at least 72 hours to prevent the blood clot from dislodging from the extraction site, which is vital for healing.
Following the specific aftercare instructions is essential, as they will encourage healing. If necessary, we will provide additional instructions tailored to your unique situation.
What is the difference between a simple and a surgical extraction?
During a simple extraction, your dentist will remove the tooth visible above the gum line. It can be performed using only dental instruments to loosen and extract the tooth. This process is typically straightforward and requires only local anesthesia.
On the other hand, a surgical extraction is more complex. You will require a surgical extraction if your teeth are not easily accessible or visible. This could be because the tooth broke at the gum line or it did not fully erupt. Surgical extractions involve making an incision into the gum to access and remove the tooth, often requiring stitches to close the wound. This procedure may necessitate stronger anesthesia or sedation.
Can I smoke or drink alcohol after a tooth extraction?
We suggest that you avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for at least 24 to 48 hours after we remove your teeth. Smoking will slow down the healing process because it reduces the blood flow to the extraction site, increasing your risk of infection, dry socket, and dislodgment of the blood clot.
Alcohol dilates the blood vessels leading to excess bleeding which will slow down with the healing process. Please follow the post-op care instructions closely, which include avoiding smoking and drinking for a specific period.
What is a dry socket?
A dry socket can occur after a tooth is removed and it very painful. It results when the blood clot at the tooth extraction site fails to develop, is dislodged, or dissolves before the wound has healed. Without this clot, many underlying nerves and bone are exposed to air, food, fluid, and bacteria, leading to intense pain in the socket and along the nerves radiating to the side of your face. A dry socket typically manifests a few days after the extraction. If you experience a dry socket after an extraction, you will need prompt treatment for pain and to prevent infection.
Request a dental exam and consultation if you need a tooth extraction in Claremont, CA. Claremont Dental Institute is your one-stop office for the best dental services near you.