Tooth Extraction
Henderson, NV
However, there are cases where tooth extraction is the best option for oral health. This is usually the result of other dental restorative methods failing to restore the damaged tooth. Other times, it might be your baby's tooth that needs to be extracted as it prepares for the eruption of its adult teeth.
No matter the reason, Joshua M. Ignatowicz DMD & Associates has a team of experienced and skilled professionals to perform tooth extractions in Henderson, NV with the utmost care and precision. We use modern dental technology and tools to ensure comfort for our patients during the procedure.
Why Do I Need To Have My Tooth Extracted?
There are several reasons why tooth extraction may be necessary. One reason is if the tooth has severe decay (cavities) or damage that cannot be repaired with a filling or crown. Another reason is that there is not enough room in the mouth for all of the teeth, causing overcrowding and alignment issues.
Sometimes, infection or gum disease may also lead to the need for an extraction. Also, tooth extraction may be necessary due to tooth luxation or displacement. This can happen after a traumatic injury to the mouth or jaw, causing the tooth to become misaligned or impacted (stuck underneath the gum line).
In addition, a tooth may need to be extracted if it is fractured below the gum line and unable to be repaired. This can affect your ability to chew and speak properly and can cause shifting of surrounding teeth.
In children, baby teeth may need to be extracted to make room for adult teeth. For instance, if your baby's teeth do not fall out on their own, a dentist must remove them to allow the permanent tooth to come in correctly. However, baby teeth need to stay in as long as possible to maintain proper spacing and jaw development. Our dentist will assess the situation and determine if an extraction is necessary.
Do I Need To Have My Wisdom Teeth Extracted?
This leads to difficulty properly cleaning the edge of the wisdom teeth where food and bacteria can easily accumulate, causing plaque build-up and potentially leading to tooth decay, gingivitis or periodontal disease, cellulitis, or abscess.
According to the American Dental Association, other changes that may necessitate wisdom teeth removal include pain, tumors or cysts forming around the wisdom teeth, and recurring infections. It is important to note that even if your wisdom teeth are not causing any immediate issues, it is still a good idea to regularly monitor their development through dental check-ups to prevent future problems.
How Long Does A Tooth Extraction Take?
Tooth extraction is quicker than you would expect. The whole procedure may typically take anywhere between 20 to 40 minutes. That is, from administering the anesthetic to removing the tooth and potentially administering stitches if necessary.
That being said, if more than one tooth needs to be extracted, the procedure may take longer as each individual extraction has to be performed. Additionally, the process may take longer depending on the difficulty of extracting the tooth (such as impacted wisdom teeth).
Does Tooth Extraction Hurt?
Before the dental extraction procedure, a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the area around the tooth being extracted. This will ensure that you won't feel any pain or discomfort during the extraction and will remain awake during the entire procedure.
However, in some cases, such as with impacted teeth, we use a general anesthetic to keep you unconscious throughout the procedure. After the local anesthetic wears off, you may experience some discomfort or soreness, but this can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
How Long Does Pain Last After Tooth Extraction?
After your extraction, it is normal to experience bleeding for up to 24 hours. Generally, pain and discomfort will last one to five days, with wisdom teeth extractions possibly taking longer to heal fully. Following the post-extraction instructions we give you, including any prescribed pain medication and proper care of the extraction site, aid in healing and reduce the length and severity of pain.
Contact us for follow-up care if pain persists for longer than a week or becomes increasingly severe. Overall, every person's experience with tooth extraction recovery will vary, but following proper care and guidelines can help ensure a quicker and more comfortable healing process.
What To Do After Tooth Extraction
Aftercare is crucial after a tooth extraction to ensure proper healing. It is important to allow a blood clot to form at the extraction site. This can be aided by biting down on the gauze for a few hours after the procedure and avoiding rinsing or touching the area with your tongue or fingers, as this can disrupt the clot forming and lead to complications such as a dry socket.
You should also avoid drinking through a straw, spitting, smoking, or vigorous exercise in the first 24 hours after the extraction. Avoiding hot liquids and foods in the first few days can also help with pain and inflammation.
In terms of pain management, you can take pain relievers such as ibuprofen as directed to reduce inflammation and pain. Applying ice packs on the affected area can also help with pain and swelling. You should also lie with your head elevated to reduce swelling in the first 24 hours after the extraction.
Beyond the third day, maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth, but take care to avoid the extraction site. It is also important to continue pain management while eating a soft diet and gradually incorporating more solid foods that require little chewing as the extraction site heals.