Dental Extractions / Tooth Extractions

Dental extractions can be a normal part of dental treatments and can be done on an outpatient basis. Read below to learn how your dental professional knows which teeth to target and determines the best plan of action.

Common Reasons for Tooth Extractions

Dental extractions are very common and may not indicate poor oral health. Here are some of the most common reasons a dentist advises tooth extractions:

• Braces: To make room for important, yet misaligned teeth, your braces treatment may call for the removal of one or a few teeth.
• Wisdom Teeth: Many dental patients don’t have enough space for wisdom teeth and must have them removed to preserve dental health.
• Infection: Through gum disease or cavities, infections or decay can occur that calls for the removal of problem teeth.

Methods for Dental Extractions

Your dentist will likely use one of two main types of dental extractions:

• Simple Extraction: This option is possible for teeth that can be seen and aren’t below the gum line. Your dental professional loosens the target teeth and uses forceps to complete the extraction.
• Surgical Extraction: If the tooth is below the gum line, your dental professional will make a small incision and remove the target tooth.

Aftercare for Tooth Extractions

Depending on the types of dental extractions involved, your recovery may require more or less aftercare. Simple tooth extractions frequently heal faster, but regardless, your dentist may ask that you incorporate the following into your aftercare:

• Prescribed medication: Your dental extraction professional may ask you to take over-the-counter pain medications like Advil or Motrin. If the procedure is more complex, more powerful medications may be prescribed for the first few recovery days.
• Icing: Apply ice packs for 10 to 15 minutes at a time to combat swelling.
• Soft Foods: Stick with soft foods like mashed potatoes and avoid all straws while your blood clot settles.
• Warm Salt Water Rinse: Gently rinse your mouth daily with warm salt water to clean your mouth and promote healing.
• Rest and Relaxation: Allow a day or so for total relaxation. Rest with your head propped on a pillow to minimize potential bleeding.
• No Tobacco Use: Avoid tobacco use of any kind for at least 24 hours.
• Follow Up Appointments: Your dental professional will ask you to come to one or more follow up appointments. Be sure to keep these appointments to catch any possible issues with healing early.

Serving Fort Washington, Oreland, Ambler, Dresher & Surrounding

Are you ready to speak with your dentist about dental extraction and oral hygiene? Schedule your six-month check up and give us a quick call at 215.643.0363. Harmony Dental Health is conveniently located in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania.