Tooth Extractions in San Diego
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Understanding Tooth Extractions
As dental professionals, our primary aim is to help you maintain a healthy smile with all your original teeth. However, certain circumstances may require the removal of a tooth. Whether it's due to crowding, disease, or trauma, we approach tooth extractions with a conservative mindset. While the term "oral surgery" might sound daunting, most extractions are routine procedures. Our skilled and experienced dentist will perform the procedure with expertise, ensuring a comfortable recovery and optimal results.
What Is Involved in a Tooth Extraction?
You may be familiar with wisdom tooth removal, which is a common type of tooth extraction. Wisdom teeth often cause issues with nearby teeth and can lead to infections, making their removal necessary. Other reasons for extractions include severe tooth decay, damaged or infected teeth, teeth that do not erupt properly, gum disease, creating space for orthodontic treatment, and side effects from certain medications or treatments.
Determining the Type of Extraction You Need
Determining the Appropriate Extraction Before performing an extraction, we will conduct X-rays to assess your dental condition. If it is determined that a tooth needs to be pulled, a local anesthetic will be injected to numb the tooth and surrounding area. For those feeling anxious about the procedure, dental sedation can be used to ensure comfort. It's important to note that if sedation is administered, you will need someone to drive you home afterward.
For a simple extraction, the process is straightforward. The goal is to gently lift the entire tooth out of its socket. The dentist widens the socket using an elevator, a specialized tool that gently wiggles the tooth to create a wider opening. Once the tooth is loose enough, forceps, similar to pliers or tweezers, are used to pull it out. You might feel some pressure during this step, but the local anesthesia ensures you won't experience any pain. Once the tooth is removed, the dentist will clean the empty socket and apply medical gauze to control any bleeding.
Surgical Extraction vs. Simple Extraction
There are two types of tooth extractions: simple and surgical. Simple extractions are minimally invasive and are used when the tooth is fully visible in the mouth, without the need to manipulate surrounding bone or gums. Surgical extractions are more complex and required when a tooth or part of it is stuck below the gumline. In these cases, the dentist or oral surgeon needs to make an incision to access the jawbone directly.
Sometimes, a small amount of bone must be removed to extract stubborn tooth fragments. Stitches are required after a surgical extraction, and pain medication may be prescribed for a few days following the procedure.
Post-Extraction Care
Proper aftercare is vital for a successful tooth removal. Whether it's a simple or surgical extraction, you must carefully follow your dentist's instructions to facilitate healing. After the extraction, a blood clot forms in the empty socket, playing a crucial role in the healing process. Avoid touching the blood clot to prevent complications. Additionally, for about three days, avoid smoking, drinking through straws, spitting, or blowing your nose, as these actions may dislodge the blood clot and lead to a dry socket, which can be painful and requires intervention.
Most significant healing occurs within one to two weeks after the procedure. Following an extraction, you may notice changes in your jaw, as teeth and jawbone may shift to accommodate the newly opened space. If you wish to prevent this, dental bridges or implants can fill the gap and preserve your dental health and quality of life. Reach out to us to explore your options for replacing a missing tooth.
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At Wellness Dental Group, we take pride in setting ourselves apart from other dental practices in La Jolla and Poway.
Our commitment to the community extends beyond dental care, as we consider ourselves part of a network of caretakers who prioritize the health and well-being of our friends and neighbors in La Jolla, Poway, and the surrounding areas. As a locally-owned practice, we are part of a legacy of providing top-quality general dentistry.