Tooth Extractions Huntington Beach, CA
Protect Your Mouth with a Necessary Tooth Extraction
A damaged tooth can be painful and unsightly, but sometimes despite your dentist’s best efforts, it is not possible to repair it. In these situations, your dentist will recommend a tooth extraction. This procedure completely removes the damaged tooth from your jaw, protecting your healthy teeth and gums from the risk of further damage from decay or infection. Tooth extraction often relieves pain, and solutions are available to close any gaps left behind once healing is complete.
Why Choose Elite Dental of Fountain Valley for Tooth Extractions?
- Skilled, Trustworthy Dentists
- Wisdom Teeth Removal
- Emergency Appointments Available
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
There are many reasons besides a toothache why your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction, some of them urgent, some of them not. These reasons can include:
- Severe damage or tooth decay
- Creation of space during orthodontic treatment
- Successful placement of a denture
- Stubborn baby tooth that will not fall out on it own
- Impacted wisdom tooth
Furthermore, if you have an infected tooth, your dentist’s priority is to protect your remaining healthy teeth. Thus, to stop the spread of infection from causing more damage and risking the health of more of your teeth, removing the infected tooth may be necessary.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
The tooth removal process is quite safe and efficient. First, your dentist will numb the area of the tooth needing extraction. Once the mouth is sufficiently numbed, your dentist will then use a tool called an elevator to lift the tooth out of its socket, making it easier to remove. They will then use a pair of forceps to grasp the tooth, gently wiggling it free from any connective tissue.
Once the tooth has been removed from the jaw, your dentist will close the area with a suture. Often, they can use dissolving sutures that do not need to be removed and will vanish within about a week.
If necessary, your dentist will discuss tooth replacement options with you prior to your procedure so that you can begin the process of restoring your smile as your mouth heals from the extraction. It is important to have a plan in place for this stage, as replacing your extracted tooth will help protect your remaining teeth from damage or misalignment.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
After your tooth extraction procedure, following the aftercare instructions is imperative to ensure proper healing. Here are some tips for a speedy recovery:
- Take your painkillers only as prescribed.
- Leave the gauze placed in your mouth by your dentist in position for at least 3 to 4 hours after your procedure.
- Apply ice to your face just outside the affected area immediately following the extraction in 10-minute intervals.
- Get plenty of rest for the first 24 hours post procedure and limit physical activity for 2-3 days.
- Do not rinse or spit for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
- Do not use a straw for at least 2-3 days.
- You may rinse with a salt solution 24 hours after the procedure. Mix a half teaspoon of salt with 8 oz of water and carefully swish for 10 seconds before gently spitting it out.
- Do not smoke.
- Sleep with your head elevated.
- Brush and floss your teeth but avoid the extraction site.
- Follow up with your dentist for tooth replacement options.