Tooth Extraction: Treatment and Relief for Pain and Infection
When a tooth has become severely damaged or highly infected, and it’s causing you pain, extraction may be your best option. It’s normal for patients to feel hesitant about tooth removal, but tooth extraction can be very beneficial for your overall health.
Removing a tooth that can’t be saved helps prevent further damage and infection. Extractions can also prepare your mouth for tooth loss solutions like dental implants, crowns and bridges, and dentures. Rest assured, at Comfy Smile Dental, Dr. Cortes and his staff can gently and efficiently remove a damaged tooth.
When Do You Need a Tooth Extraction?
Common reasons for tooth extraction include:
- An impacted wisdom tooth
- Damaged, decayed, or overcrowded teeth
- Severe dental trauma
- A primary tooth that fails to erupt properly
- Periodontal disease
Regardless of the cause, when you experience tooth pain it’s best to call our office in Davie, FL by dialing (954) 251-0804. We’ll get to the root of the problem and help relieve your pain.
Surgical and Regular Extractions at Comfy Smile Dental
At Comfy Smile Dental, we offer two types of tooth extractions: regular and surgical.
Regular Tooth Extractions
Regular extraction, also known as a simple extraction, is for removing teeth that are visible above the gumline. During a regular extraction, we’ll numb the area using a local anesthetic. Once the anesthetic has taken effect, Dr. Cortes will use special tools to gently remove the tooth from its socket. Then he’ll clean the extraction site, leaving an empty space that’s free of infection and ready for one of our tooth replacement solutions.
Surgical Tooth Extractions
For teeth that are harder to access, surgical extraction will be required. This method of extraction is reserved for teeth that are damaged below the gumline or that haven’t erupted yet. During surgical extraction, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the area. After we’ve ensured your anesthetic is in effect, Dr. Cortes will make an incision in your gums to reach and remove all portions of the affected tooth.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
The most common form of surgical extraction is wisdom tooth removal. Wisdom tooth extraction is necessary when the third set of molars don’t have enough room to grow, becoming impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth are fixed below the gumline. Impacted wisdom teeth may cause:
- Crowding, damage, & decay in adjacent teeth
- Infection
- Pain
- Red or swollen gums
- Bad breath
- Cysts
Fortunately, Dr. Cortes can simply and comfortably remove these teeth if they’re causing problems or he has reason to believe they will. As with any form of extraction, we’ll use a local anesthetic to numb the area before the procedure. For patients who are especially sensitive, we offer oral sedation as well.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
After your extraction, we’ll provide you with specific aftercare instructions to help ensure a successful recovery. For a smooth healing process, Dr. Cortes recommends following these tips:
- Don’t engage in strenuous activity for the first 24 hours after surgery.
- Leave the gauze in your mouth for at least several hours after surgery.
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco products.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce discomfort or swelling.
- Use over-the-counter medication to relieve pain.
- Don’t touch the surgical site when brushing or flossing.
- Rinse your mouth out with a teaspoon of salt dissolved in 8oz of warm water three to four times a day and after you’ve eaten.
- Avoid rinsing vigorously and sucking on straws in the first 72 hours after surgery.
Signs of Possible Complication
Like any surgical procedure, tooth extraction can lead to complications in rare cases. For example, experiencing some mild swelling and bleeding post-extraction is normal. However, if these symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, it could signal a complication that needs to be treated, and you should contact us at our Davie, FL office as soon as possible.
After extraction, not only will you need to diligently follow aftercare instructions, you’ll also need to pay close attention to how your wound is healing. Signs of possible complications include:
- Nerve injury from tooth loss, causing numbness in your mouth after surgery
- Infection caused by poor oral hygiene after your tooth extraction
- Dry socket if a blood clot fails to form properly at the surgical site
Frequently Asked Questions
Most tooth extractions require about 20 to 40 minutes to complete. However, there are several circumstances that may influence the length of your procedure. Factors that are considered include how many teeth are being removed, where they’re located, and the difficulty of the removal. At your initial consultation, Dr. Cortes will examine your oral health and recommend the best course of action with a timeline of your extraction plan.
After getting a tooth extracted, it’s important to rest for the first 24 hours and meticulously follow your aftercare instructions. Failure to do so may result in possible complications during the healing process, which is the most crucial period. Dr. Cortes asks that you avoid touching the surgical site, keep the gauze in for several hours, and apply a cold compress to relieve pain and swelling.
Recovering from a tooth extraction varies from patient to patient based on their individual case. Generally, a full recovery can take as little as seven to ten days with good oral hygiene and care. This means following your aftercare instructions to help speed up the recovery process and prevent your risk of complications.
We’ll provide you with dental sedation so you won’t feel pain during the extraction, relieving any worries you may have. It’s safe and effective, and a member of our staff will be with you every step of the way to ensure you feel completely comfortable. After surgery, you may experience mild discomfort or pain, but we’ll prescribe pain medication for your recovery.
Gentle Tooth Extractions at Comfy Smile Dental
Tooth extractions can help protect your health, relieve pain, and prepare your mouth for restorative dentistry methods. Dr. Cortes and his skilled dental team stay up-to-date with the latest procedures to help restore the health, function, and beauty of your smile. Rest assured that your extraction will be gentle and thorough.
To learn more about our tooth extraction procedures, call our office in Davie, FL by dialing (954) 251-0804 or fill out our contact form. A team member will get back to you shortly, so Dr. Cortes can relieve your pain.