Dental Extractions Daphne, AL
Tooth Extraction Information
Do you think you may need a tooth to be extracted? There are a few different reasons that call for a tooth to be extracted. For instance, some people are born with too many teeth which causes overcrowding, and that calls for extractions. This will allow more room in the mouth and also may help with straightening teeth in the future. Also, if you have a tooth that is damaged beyond repair, that tooth may need to be extracted. Infected teeth are another reason people may need to have a tooth pulled. Fortunately, at Dr. Phillip Greer’s Office Sweet Water Dentistry in Fairhope, AL, you can set an appointment to get all of the information you need to determine whether or not your tooth needs to be extracted.
The Difference Between Surgical Extractions And Simple Extractions
There are two types of dental extractions: surgical extractions and simple extractions. With a simple extraction, you will first receive a shot for numbing the area. Then, the dentist uses an instrument called an elevator and loosens the gums that surround the tooth. Once the gums around the tooth have been loosened, forceps are used to simply pull out the tooth. Then you will be given some gauze to hold in place to make sure your blood clot forms. It is important not to remove the gauze for at least an hour so that the blood clot can form.
Surgical extractions, on the other hand, are a little more intricate. The dentist first cuts into the gum. Once the initial incision has been made, the tooth is then cut into smaller pieces and removed. There is usually no pain associated with either type of procedure. Most patients report only feeling a slight amount of pressure as the tooth is extracted.
If you get a tooth extracted at Sweet Water Dentistry, you will need to carefully follow the post-extraction instructions given to you. After the extraction is complete, you will need to care for the area to ensure that it heals properly. A small percentage of extractions result in a condition known as dry socket. This painful condition occurs when the blood doesn’t clot the way that it should or the clot comes loose. As a result, air and food particles can come in contact with the jawbone, resulting in extreme pain.
There is a higher risk of developing a dry socket if the extraction is complicated. Certain behaviors such as smoking cigarettes or sucking on a straw can also result in a dry socket. Fortunately, if you do develop a dry socket, some treatments can be used to minimize the pain. For more information on tooth extractions or to schedule an appointment to discuss your concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Phillip Greer, your local dentist today!