Tooth Extraction: Everything You Need To Know About…
Are you suffering from a toothache? Or perhaps you haven’t seen a dentist for a while and need a check-up? If so, you may like to consider contacting Dr. Carl Lipe in Denver, CO. Dr. Lipe provides emergency dentistry, cosmetic dentistry as well as general dentistry. The practice staff specializes in tooth extraction, teeth whitening, and family dentistry.
Reason You May Need a Tooth Extracted
There are many reasons that a dentist will recommend that you have your tooth extracted. These include tooth decay, which is causing you severe pain. The tooth may have become rotten, deep into the tooth and having a filling isn’t likely to fix the problem. Dentists might want to remove your tooth if you’ve had an infection that has destroyed much of the tooth and surrounding bone.
Your teeth may be in good condition, but an extract is necessary if there isn’t room in your mouth for all your teeth. Having some teeth removed is also common in adolescents who’ve adult teeth have grown above their baby teeth and, as a result, haven’t pushed them out.
You will have to have your tooth removed if you have an impacted, erupted or partially erupted tooth. These are painful conditions. The pain can be severe and can radiate to the surrounding area of the mouth, face, and jaw. Sometimes the pain can be felt in the ear as well. A tooth that has partially erupted is likely to cause problems such as swollen gums, tooth decay, and a change in your bite. It could also cause infection if food starts to collect under the gum. An impacted tooth that’s left untreated is likely to cause a follicular cyst to form. This will cause injury to nearby teeth and could even destroy the bone.
How are Teeth Extracted?
Before you have a tooth removed, your dentist will carry out an examination and review your previous dental history. They will also ask about your medical history. If necessary, an X-ray will be taken to show the dentist the tooth’s length, shape, and position as well as the condition of the surrounding bone. Your dentist will be able to assess your tooth’s condition and will be able to see if any difficulties are likely to occur.
Once the dentist has taken all factors into account, you may be referred to an oral surgeon, who is a specialist dentist. You’ll then receive a local anesthetic, and the area surrounding your tooth will be numbed. Your tooth will then be extracted using dental forceps.
Tooth Extraction – Aftercare
After you’ve had one or more teeth removed, it’s essential to practice good oral hygiene, as this will help to limit the chance of an infection occurring. After your tooth has been extracted, your gum will bleed for between half an hour to 45 minutes. You can control the bleeding by biting on a piece of sterile gauze. This will help a clot to form.
Take good care of your wound for the next 24 hours. Don’t rinse your mouth harshly or clean around the affected area with a toothbrush. It’s also a good idea to avoid smoking during this time. If you’re suffering from pain, take ibuprofen and try applying an ice pack to your face.