Extractions
Extractions in Lawrenceville, GA
At Dental Images of Gwinnett, an extraction removes a tooth from the mouth. The dentist may extract the tooth for various reasons. Most commonly, teeth are removed because they are severely decayed. Other reasons include making space for orthodontic treatment, to prevent infection or crowding, or because they have become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth are a common problem and may require surgery to correct.
Once the process is completed, the patient can expect discomfort and mild swelling that can be controlled with ice packs. Recovery time lasts anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the extent of the extraction.
The Reason Behind Teeth Extractions
If your teeth are impacted, broken, or severely damaged by decay or trauma, they may need to be extracted to avoid further pain or complications to your oral health. Our dentist may also recommend extractions if you have extra teeth that are blocking other adult teeth from erupting. And in cases where wisdom teeth grow improperly or don’t erupt, our oral surgeon may recommend extracting them to protect your smile’s alignment and your ability to clean your teeth properly.
Some patients also choose extractions as their dental implant treatment's first step. Your oral surgeon will surgically remove damaged teeth and place implant posts in the empty tooth sockets. After your gums have healed, you’ll return to our office to have your dental implants placed.
In severe overcrowding, our dentist may recommend tooth extractions before orthodontic treatment can begin. They may refer you to an oral surgeon for a surgical extraction to ensure sufficient space for your smile to be beautifully aligned after your braces come off.
The Procedure for Extractions
During an extraction, our dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the tooth's removal area, so you won’t feel any pain or discomfort. Then the dentist will remove your tooth from the socket by loosening it and gently rocking it. The tooth is then removed using forceps or a special tool called an elevator.
After the procedure, you may take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers for a few days to manage discomfort or pain. You may apply ice/cold packs to reduce swelling and to help control bleeding.
After an extraction, eating soft foods for at least a week and avoiding strenuous physical activity is essential. If you can’t keep up your oral hygiene routine and care appropriately for your extraction site at home, call us as soon as possible so we can help you. Keeping your mouth clean after the procedure can significantly shorten recovery time and prevent complications from developing
For more information on extractions and to schedule your next appointment with one of our dentists, visit Dental Images of Gwinnett at 916 Lawrenceville Hwy #201, Lawrenceville, GA 30046, or call (770) 746-7233.
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