Did you know dozens of tooth extractions in Greenville, SC, are performed each day? Oral surgeons and dentists perform tooth extractions for several reasons–these could be severe tooth decay or an impacted wisdom tooth that’s being particularly bothersome.

There are also instances where a tooth needs to be extracted to make room for braces or other dental prosthetics. For complex cases, your general dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon. Although the idea of having your tooth extracted can be uncomfortable, sometimes it’s necessary to preserve your oral health and prevent problems in the future.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Extraction

What is a Tooth Extraction?

The goal of every dentist is to make sure your teeth stay healthy and strong for as long as possible. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Infections, gum disease, and cavities happen all the time and if these cannot be treated through conservative methods, your dentist will have no choice but to remove your teeth.

Tooth extraction is defined as the removal of your tooth. Dentists could perform this procedure because of:

  • Severe gum disease
  • Dental cavities
  • Infections
  • Injury to the tooth
  • Wisdom tooth complications
  • Preparation for braces
  • Preparation for dental prosthesis, or
  • If your baby teeth do not fall out at the right age

What are the Different Types of Tooth Extractions?

There are two main types of tooth extractions: simple and surgical. The type used will depend on the shape, location, size, and position of your tooth.

A simple extraction is removing a tooth that’s located above the gum line. Usually, the tooth is removed in a single piece, intact. Meanwhile, a surgical extraction involves the removal of gum tissues, bone, and the tooth will be extracted in tiny pieces.

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What are the Preparations Needed Before a Tooth Extraction?

Before a tooth extraction is performed, you’ll need to consult with your dentist or oral surgeon. You will be asked about your medical history and any medications you are currently taking. Some patients need to stop whatever medications they are taking depending on the number of teeth and the amount of bone being removed.

  1. Blood Thinners

Individuals who are taking blood thinners are advised to stop. The nature of this medication is to reduce the formation of blood clots, which is not good during surgery. If you are taking blood-thinning medications, make sure you let your oral surgeon know during your consultation appointment.

  1. Antibiotics

Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics before having your tooth removed. Some patients have dental infections that come with swelling, body malaise, and fever. These have to be controlled before the extraction. However, for tooth pain, antibiotics aren’t needed. If you are prescribed antibiotics, make sure to take them as instructed and in their entirety.

  1. Anesthesia 

You will be given anesthesia to numb the area. This will also add some extra comfort. The effect of the anesthesia will continue for several hours after the tooth extraction surgery. For extremely anxious patients, they can be given additional sedatives such as nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia.

What Should You Expect During a Tooth Extraction Procedure?

Before the extraction, your oral surgeon will request an X-ray of your tooth to better visualize its angle and curvature. After the X-ray, local anesthesia will be administered to numb the site. If it’s a surgical extraction, the tooth may need to be broken into pieces but if the tooth is hiding underneath the gums, your oral surgeon will have to cut through the gums to access the tooth.

The procedure should be pain-free but do expect to feel slight pressure when your tooth is being pulled out. It’s also possible to expect a cracking and grinding sound during the procedure. If you feel pain, let your oral surgeon know right away.

Once the tooth is finally out, the gums will be stitched back into place. There are cases where your oral surgeon will perform extra procedures to help control the bleeding. A piece of clean gauze is placed over the site of extraction and you will be asked to gently bite down to control the bleeding and to instigate the clotting process.

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Do You Have More Questions About Tooth Extractions in Greenville, SC?

If you think you need a tooth extraction, feel free to come to us and we’ll evaluate whether or not you need one and what type of extraction is appropriate for your case.

At Pelham Links Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide quality dental services at an affordable cost. We use modern technology and state-of-the-art techniques when providing comprehensive dental care to our patients. If you want to know more about our services, give us a call!