Tooth Extractions

Tooth Extractions: Simple & Surgical

Do you have a tooth that has been damaged from decay so badly that it cannot be fixed with just a filling? You may need to have it extracted. There are a few other reasons for the need of an extraction, which include overcrowding and infection. Some people are simply born with an excess number of teeth. In this instance, more room may need to be created in the mouth by extracting teeth. This will help prevent any problems that may come with overcrowding. Infection or abscess are other reasons an extraction may be necessary.

The Difference Between Surgical Extractions and Simple Extractions

There are two types of dental extractions:

    1. simple
    2. surgical

Simple Extractions

A simple extraction involves first numbing of the surrounding area, so patients will feel little to no pain during the extraction process. Then, the dentist will begin loosening the gums around the tooth. Once the gums have been loosened, it is easy for the dentist to use forceps to grab and remove the tooth.

Surgical Extractions

With a surgical extraction, the dentist will have to use a scalpel to cut away gum tissue. Once that has been done, your tooth will need to be cut with a hand piece into smaller sections and will be removed one piece at a time. It is normal to feel only pressure when getting either type of procedure done.

Dry Socket 

Proper care is necessary to ensure you heal correctly with no complications. Only a small number of patients get a condition known as dry socket if they don’t care for the extraction site property. Dry socket is very painful and occurs when the blood clot in the socket is lost. This exposes nerves and the jawbone and causes a lot of pain. Wisdom tooth extractions are more common to get dry socket but following the post-extraction instructions given to you at your appointment should help prevent it.

What To Expect During Your Extraction Appointment With Us

When you visit Dr. Greer at Sweet Water Dentistry, you will get an exam and x-rays to determine whether an extraction is the best option for you. In moving forward with a tooth extraction – we know the aftermath can feel overwhelming, so we are excited to provide our patients with Dr Greer’s 5 Tip Recovery Guide to a relieving and fast recovery.

The staff at Fairhope’s Sweet Water Dentistry, strive to assist each patient with the best care for every dental need. We pride ourselves in offering the best dental service around. Call us today to schedule your appointment and make us your new dental home! (251)210-22773

Tooth Extraction Recovery Guide

Post-Tooth Extraction: 5 Tip Recovery Guide

Think about the recovery process of a tooth extraction. Do you know exactly how to recover in the most timely manner with minimal complications? Dr. Greer’s 5 Tip Recovery Guide will help you properly identify the safest, and most comfortable steps to take during your recovery.

Manage Bleeding:

Patients should bite firmly for one hour on the gauze pad placed in mouth at the conclusion of surgery. After 1 hour, remove the pads. If further bleeding occurs, replace the gauze pad directly over the area of bleeding and bite firmly for an additional hour. Repeat for additional 1-hour periods until bleeding stops.
Excessive spitting, rinsing, or vigorous physical activity will increase bleeding.

Pain Control:

Have the prescription for pain medication filled and take the first dose one hour after surgery (the time you first remove the gauze pad). After the first dose, follow the instructions on the bottle. If the medication prescribed does not relieve your pain or causes nausea, rash, itching, or other issues occur, please call us for further instructions.

Control Swelling:

  •  Applying an ice pack to the face over the area of surgery for about 45 minutes of each hour for the first 48 hours after the procedure can help relieve swelling, and pain. You can also use a heating pad, warm washcloth, or warm salt water held in the mouth for heat. The warm saltwater solution should be made with 1 teaspoon of table salt in about 8oz of warm water. The ice/heat should be used as much as possible for best results.
  • If prescribed, take all medication as directed.

Avoid Smoking:

Smoking will increase the likelihood of post-operative-complications – especially the occurrence of a “dry socket”. Smoking should be discontinued for at least 24 hours after extractions.

Diet:

When bleeding has stopped, you may continue with your normal diet, choosing foods that are most comfortable for you to eat. Liquids and soft foods are usually best for 2-4 days and then progressing to normal dietary options as tolerable. Use of a straw tends to increase bleeding and prevent clotting, so we recommend avoiding these for the remainder of the recovery process.

We Care About You!

If proper care is not followed after the surgery, Dry Socket is a potential risk factor. After your tooth extraction with us, we want your experience to continue even after you leave our building. Our team is happy to be available to answer any questions or concerns you have about your recovery process. Call your Sweet Water Dentistry Family at: (251) 271-2797