Extractions
Dental Extractions in Apple Valley, MN
The Extraction Process
Tooth extractions vary from single tooth removal to extracting all four wisdom teeth simultaneously. The choice to use a local anesthetic depends on the patient and the dentist's preferences. Numbing the extraction sites can enhance the comfort of the procedure.
The procedure involves cutting open the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth to expose it. By firmly gripping and gently moving the tooth, it is loosened and lifted out from the gums. If the tooth is too impacted to be simply extracted, it might need to be broken into fragments before removal. Closure of the incision and extraction site may require sutures, preferably soluble ones that dissolve naturally.
After the dental surgery, you will need to rest. You need to be driven home by a friend or family member because of the anesthesia. You can expect the extraction site to bleed for a little while after the surgery. Gauze will be applied at the completion of the surgery, and you will need to change it when it becomes soaked. If bleeding continues for longer than 24 hours, you should call your dentist. Rest when you return home, but do not lie flat. This could prolong the bleeding. Prop your head up on a pillow when lying down. Your dentist will prescribe you pain medication, so if you become sore, take it as directed. You can also use an ice pack for the pain. Your dentist might also provide you with a cleaning solution to clean the extraction site.
You will be limited to soft foods for a few days after your surgery. Some recommended foods are:
- Gelatin
- Pudding
- Yogurt
- Mashed Potatoes
- Ice Cream
- Thin Soups
- …and other food you can eat without chewing.
Avoid using a straw when drinking to prevent loosening sutures and delaying clotting. Similarly, refrain from smoking. If you experience prolonged pain, bleeding, irritation or suspect improper healing of the extraction site, contact your dentist promptly for a follow-up appointment.
Extraction Site Preservation
When extracting a tooth, it is important to consider what will be done with the empty space after the tooth is removed. When a tooth is extracted, the socket and remaining bone will slowly begin to collapse and degenerate.
If a patient wants to replace the extracted tooth with a dental implant, we highly encourage a procedure called socket preservation. This procedure is done immediately following the extraction and entails filling the empty socket with bone particulate. We then cover the site and secure it with stitches. This procedure helps prevent bone loss and aids in ideal implant placement after the bone has healed. Further, the patient will hopefully avoid any further surgical procedures, such as bone block grafts or sinus elevations, which are much more aggressive.
Contact Our Apple Valley Dental Clinic Today!
At Brite Smiles Dental Care, we prioritize your dental health and comfort above all else. Our skilled team is committed to delivering exceptional dental extraction services in Apple Valley, Minnesota. Trust us to provide personalized care and expert treatment for all your dental needs. Schedule an appointment today to take the first step towards a healthier, happier smile.
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