Although we do our best to protect and preserve your teeth, there are some cases in which removing a tooth may be the best course of action. Dr. Custer might recommend the removal and replacement of a tooth that has been badly decayed or damaged. Additionally, if you’re experiencing tooth or gum infection, orthodontic alignment, or wisdom tooth issues, you may need a tooth extraction.
When we establish that one of your teeth needs to be removed, we will set up an appointment for your extraction. Before the procedure, we will numb your mouth so that you feel no pain during the procedure. We will loosen your tooth with a dental tool called an elevator and them remove it with forceps.
The first thing you will want to do when you leave the office after tooth extraction is to continue to bite down on the gauze that we give you. Biting down and applying pressure for the next hour is critical to keep the bleeding to a minimum. If you notice the area is still bleeding an hour after the completion of the procedure, you should replace the old piece of gauze with a new one and wait for the bleeding to subside.
You might notice some swelling following a tooth extraction. This is completely normal and should be expected after a dental procedure such as extraction. To help with swelling, we recommend an anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, as well as keeping an ice pack on the area. We also highly recommend sticking with cold foods on the first day following your tooth extraction.
It is important to be gentle around the area of extraction following the procedure. Activities such as sucking on straws, smoking, or eating anything sharp or crunchy can cause further damage and irritation to the area.
For children, baby teeth can grow misshapen or a tooth may develop long roots which prevent it from falling out as it should. The tooth has to be removed to make way for the permanent tooth to erupt from the child’s gums. It is especially important to make sure your child has any necessary teeth extracted prior to beginning any orthodontic treatment, as this is the base of your child’s dental health.
If you or one of the members of your family need a tooth extracted, give us a call at (419)-445-8716 today.
At Archbold Family Dental, we are committed to giving you the best possible dental care experience.
