Tooth Extraction: What to Expect

It’s like pulling teeth – literally. Yet, the term “tooth extraction” sounds much worse than it is!  Having a tooth pulled is sometimes necessary, but with the proper planning and knowledge, you can tackle this procedure with ease.

Here, we will explain the reasons teeth may need to be pulled, along with the procedure and recovery times for dental extraction in Studio City.

Why Pull Teeth?

While permanent teeth are designed to last a lifetime, there are many reasons why you may have to have one pulled. These include:

• Damage or Decay: When the tooth has suffered too much damage, whether from decay or trauma, it must be pulled.
• Too much crowding in the mouth: When you have too many teeth within a small space, something has to go – literally! Sometimes this is necessary to prepare the mouth for orthodontic work, which will help to properly align the teeth. Also, if a tooth is not able to erupt from the gum due to lack of room, you may have to have it pulled.
• Infection: When decay or damage reaches the pulp (the center of your tooth containing all the nerves and blood vessels), bacteria can more readily get into the pulp and cause an infection. Generally, a root canal will be done first to try to save the tooth, but if this does not work, the tooth will have to come out so the infection does not spread.
• Risk of infection: Some people have weakened immune systems due to chemotherapy or organ transplants. With this weakened immune system comes the heightened risk of infection. A dentist may therefore recommend pulling a tooth if there is a possible risk of infection.
• Periodontal disease: Gum disease is an infection of the surrounding tissues and bones that normally would support your teeth. This can loosen them, requiring extraction.

What to Expect

Before the procedure, your dentist will go over what to expect, as well as the risks, such as infection. This is also a good time to tell your dentist of any conditions that put you at a higher risk of infection, so he or she can prescribe an antibiotic.

The procedure itself takes place right in the office. You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area. The dentist will then extract the tooth.

Following the extraction, you will head home to recover, which usually takes just a few days. You may want to try the following to ease any potential discomfort:

• Take prescribed painkillers.
• Change gauze pads every three to four hours.
• Apply an ice bag to the affected area for 10 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
• Limit activity for the next day or two.
• Avoid rinsing or spitting forcefully for 24 hours after the procedure.
• Rinse with your mouth with a solution of 1/2 teaspoon salt and eight ounces of warm water, but only after 24 hours post-extraction.
• Don’t drink from a straw for the first 24 hours.
• Eat soft foods the day after the extraction, such as soup, pudding, yogurt, or applesauce.
• Prop your head up with pillows.
• Brush and floss your teeth but avoid the extraction site until you get the all-clear from your dentist.
• Go to follow-up appointments as needed.
• Call your dentist sooner if you develop a fever or chills, nausea or vomiting, excessive swelling or discharge from the affected area, or shortness of breath, chest pain or cough.

Contact Studio City Dental

To learn more about the tooth extraction process, contact us today at 818-762-2977 to schedule your appointment