Tooth Extractions for Pain Management
Winston Salem, NC
 Adults and teens have their teeth extracted as a result of decay or infection. However, these are not the only reasons people get teeth extractions. If, for example, you have a crowded mouth, or damaged teeth that are causing you pain, our dentist at Gibson & Bartholomew Restorative and Esthetic Dentistry may recommend that you get one or several teeth removed.
Reasons for Tooth Extractions
While you do not always have to extract a decayed or broken tooth, there are times when the extraction is the only option. Our dentist is able to repair damaged and broken teeth using a dental filling or installing a crown. This happens if the damage is not too big. However, if tooth damage is very bad, especially if it is infected and causing you pain, an extraction will be done.
Infection or decay extending deep into the root of a tooth may cause serious damage, making it difficult to save that tooth. Not to mention, the tooth is likely causing a great deal of discomfort. Our dentist will pull out the tooth to help prevent the infection or decay from spreading further. If not checked, the infection affecting the root of a tooth can spread further to attack the jawbone. Damage to a tooth due to trauma or injury, which makes the tooth irreparable, would necessitate extraction. Similarly, overcrowding of the mouth compels the dentist to extract some to create more room, especially if you wear braces. This will help provide space for the braces to efficiently move the teeth to the desired positions.
Sometimes, baby teeth may not fall out within the expected timeframe to pave way for the permanent teeth to come in. When this happens, tooth removal is recommended. Third molars or wisdom teeth will often be extracted after or before coming in. Moreover, an impacted tooth may be removed to avoid complications, and pain, in your bite such as infection under the gums or bite misalignment.
Tooth Removal Procedure
Once you visit our office for a tooth removal appointment, our dentist will examine the mouth including the tooth to be removed. The dentist will get x-rays that help check the invisible parts of the tooth or an impacted tooth. The images will show how the tooth is positioned and the right kind of extraction procedure to perform. The x-rays let the dentist know whether a simple extraction or surgery is to be performed.
A simple extraction requires local anesthesia to make you stay comfortable when a dentist is conducting the procedure. The anesthesia numbs the tissues around the tooth, hence reducing pain. The dentist utilizes an elevator that helps loosen the teeth being pulled. Finally, the dentist pulls the teeth out. A simple extraction is just as simple as that.
Sometimes, though, tooth extraction may be a more intensive procedure requiring surgery. This happens when, for instance, the tooth is impacted or broken off at its base. This typically results in a lot of pain. Our dentist will administer local anesthesia as well as IV anesthesia. Depending on your general health, you may receive general anesthesia, which allows you to stay unconscious during the procedure. The dentist or oral surgeon will make a cut, often a small incision into the soft tissue or gums, allowing access to the tooth. The surgeon then removes the tooth.
Recovering from Tooth Extraction
A few days are sufficient for you to recover from a tooth extraction. Our dental team will provide tips for taking care of the wound following the procedure. You may use an ice pack that you place on the cheek for about 15 minutes as it helps reduce swelling. However, be careful as ice packs can cause ice burns. You may have some pain, but using pain medication will resolve that problem. Do not use a straw within the first 24 hours, and if you smoke, avoid it to speed up the healing. Continue your brushing and flossing routine but avoid the operated area. Eat soft foods and little by little start reintroducing hard foods.
To get your tooth pulled out, contact our team at Gibson & Bartholomew Restorative and Esthetic Dentistry. Call us at (336) 283-2593 to schedule your appointment, especially if you are having a tooth that is causing pain. It needs to be looked at right away and may need to be extracted if it cannot be repaired.
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