While every dentist’s goal is to help people protect and preserve their natural teeth for as long as possible, the reality is that some can become so damaged that the only option is to remove them.
As a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Chen has performed thousands of extractions over the course of her career, so she knows how to keep patients comfortable before, during, and after the procedure.
Plus, she can ensure patients are able to replace their teeth as quickly as possible using the most advanced solutions available today. If you have a hurting or broken tooth that you think might need to go, reach out to us today to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Chen might recommend an extraction if a tooth…
Before performing an extraction, Dr. Chen will closely examine the tooth and take X-rays to determine if there is a way to save it. She will only remove it if there is no other viable option.
Once the patient learns that a tooth needs to come out, she’ll walk them through the procedure and answer any questions they might have. Dr. Chen understands that this treatment can make many people feel nervous, but knowing what to expect can help curtail any anxiety.
On the day of the extraction, the mouth will be numbed with local anesthetic, and then Dr. Chen will use an instrument called a dental elevator to wiggle the tooth. This is a side-to-side motion—there is never any pulling—and this gradually enables the tooth to slip out on its own. Most patients don’t even notice the moment when the tooth is out!
A pad of gauze will be placed on the treatment area to manage the bleeding and kickstart the healing process. This should be changed roughly every two to three hours on the first day.
It’s important that during the first 24 hours, a patient does NOT drink with a straw, spit, smoke, try to clean the area with a toothbrush, or engage in rigorous physical activity. This can interfere with the development of a blood clot that will protect the sensitive bone and nerves during recovery.
Whether you have over-the-counter or are given prescription pain medication, it should be taken as directed. Typically, the soreness following an extraction is relatively minor and fades away on its own after a few days.
After the first day, the patient should brush their teeth like normal while using a light touch around the treatment area.
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