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Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime. Unfortunately, sometimes teeth become damaged or diseased and cannot be saved. When a dentist removes a tooth from your mouth, the procedure is called a tooth extraction.
Why Are Teeth Extractions Needed?
Tooth removal is sometimes necessary when tooth decay leads to a severe infection of a tooth’s pulp or gum disease loosens your teeth. Dental extraction of infected teeth may also be required if your immune system is compromised or you need an organ transplant. In some cases, healthy teeth are removed; this may be done to correct orthodontic problems such as severe crowding. Having a tooth pulled may seem scary, but it’s important to remember that our skilled dentists can restore your smile with many options such as dentures, bridges and dental implants. If you must have a dental extraction in Crown Point, we’ll help you choose the best restoration option for your dental needs and budget.
What to Expect When Getting a Tooth Pulled
Both dentists and oral surgeons routinely remove teeth. Here is an overview of a simple extraction process.
Before pulling your tooth, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area so that you won’t feel any pain. Once you’re numb, your dentist will use an instrument called an elevator to loosen your tooth and widen the space around it. By manipulating the tooth socket, the dentist also breaks the fibers that attach the tooth to your jawbone. After it has been detached, your dentist will lift and remove the tooth using forceps. He or she will then pack the socket with gauze and instruct you to bite down on it to prevent bleeding.
Tooth Extraction Cost
The cost of dental extraction depends on many factors, including the type of anesthesia administered, the extraction process used, the location of the tooth and whether or not the extraction was an emergency procedure. Fortunately, dental insurance usually pays for a large portion of the dental extraction cost. If you need more information about the cost of a tooth extraction in Crown Point, contact us for details.
When Is Oral Surgery Needed for a Tooth Extraction?
An oral surgeon may need to perform a surgical extraction when the removal is likely to be complicated, or a wisdom tooth doesn’t have room to erupt and becomes impacted inside of your jaw. Surgical extractions are usually performed under general anesthesia, so you’ll be unconscious throughout the process.
The Tooth Extraction Healing Process
Healing after dental extraction occurs in stages. Swelling and pain usually subsides within a week. Complete healing of gum tissues takes about a month, and bone will regrow in six to eight months. Tooth extraction pain can often be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, but if the blood clot that forms in the tooth’s empty socket breaks free, you may experience a painful condition called dry socket. Your dentist can place a special dressing over the socket to help it form a new blood clot.
Dental Extraction Aftercare
Here are a few dental extraction aftercare guidelines that your dentist may recommend.
- Don’t smoke.
- Avoid drinking through a straw for the first 24 hours.
- Don’t rinse your mouth vigorously.
- Follow the dietary recommendations of your dentist.
- If you experience swelling, apply ice and contact your dentist.
To learn more about tooth extraction in Crown Point, give us a call today.
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