What Happens With Tooth Extractions?

Although we believe that your teeth should stay in your smile, and we may try what we can to save a tooth, there can come a point when a tooth needs to be extracted. It might result from dental decay or an oral injury, but for the sake of your dental health, sometimes the damaged tooth may need to go.

But before anything is decided, one of our dentists may go through your history, both medical and dental, with you. Some x-rays of the area may be requested to help our dentists get a better idea of what is going on underneath your gums so that they can decide what may need to be done.

An anesthetic can be used to numb the area around the damaged tooth, and then it can be gently loosened and removed. Afterwards, our dentists could go over your aftercare in detail, but we can also provide a brief overview now. For the sake of your recovery, it may be vital for you not to smoke, clean the teeth near the extraction, or rinse your teeth vigorously for the first 24 hours. However, you can gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water.

You can eat things that are soft and cool, but you shouldn’t do anything that could disturb the clot on top of your extraction site, including drinking from a straw. Doing so can significantly increase your risk for developing a dry socket, which is an extremely uncomfortable condition. You can eat soft-serve ice cream and smoothies with a spoon, since the cold qualities of these foods can help reduce any swelling you may have.

If you are near Metairie, Louisiana, and have questions about tooth extractions, or would like to make an appointment, you are welcome to call Louisiana Dental Center at (504) 833-6825 today. We look forward to hearing from you!