Finding A Great Dentist

The Tooth Extraction Process

13 October 2015

Kenzi Thompson

When you need to have a tooth extracted, you may be extremely nervous. It's not an easy feeling to know you are going in to have a tooth pulled, but learning about the process ahead of time may put your mind a both more at ease. This article will take you through the process so you know what to expect.

Your exam

When you go in for your exam, the dentist will look at your teeth, take x-rays and possibly take pictures. They will go over the results of your x-rays and the exam with you and explain their suggestion for treatment.

If this treatment plan includes a tooth extraction, they will set you up with a future days for the extraction and give you information regarding what you need to do prior to the appointment. These instructions may include not taking certain medications before the procedure and/or not eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before midnight.

The tooth extraction

When you go in to have your tooth extracted, the dentist will more than likely give you a local anesthetic, but they may also give you a stronger one if necessary. After the anesthetic has taken affect, they will begin by loosening the tooth by using a dental tool known as an elevator. This tool will rock the tooth back and forth in the gum to help break the root away from the jaw and gum which makes it easier to remove the entire tooth.

The dentist will then work on extracting the tooth. In some cases, they may be able to lift the entire tooth out of the socket. However, in other cases the tooth may break and have to be removed piece by piece. Don't be surprised if you hear a crunching sound during the process. For many people, the noise is the worst part of the experience.

After the extraction

Once the extraction is complete the dentist will pack gauze in the socket. This gauze is put there to help control the bleeding and to help the socket form a clot. The clot will aid in fast healing and protect the bare socket from infection. You will need to avoid doing anything that can cause the clot to come loose. Any sucking action can work the clot out of the socket and for this reason drinking from a straw and smoking are unwise during recovery.

Now that you have a clearer understanding of what you can expect if you need to have a tooth pulled, you will be better prepared for the experience. For more information, talk to a professional like those at Family Dental Center TriCities, PC.

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