Do you have impacted wisdom teeth? Are severely overcrowded teeth affecting your bite? Dr. Stefan Speck provides tooth extractions as general dental treatments in his Oxford, PA dental office. Many patients think that tooth extractions are painful procedures. However, Dr. Speck uses local anesthetic for tooth extractions.
Extractions are often needed for patients with severely infected teeth, impacted wisdom teeth, or overcrowded teeth. Dr. Speck will do everything he can before extracting a tooth. Sometimes root canal treatment can save your teeth from infection. Other times, they need to be removed for the health of other teeth.
Types of Dental Extractions
You can categorize Tooth extractions as simple or complex. Simple dental extractions remove teeth that are visible from the gum line. Complex dental extractions are often used for impacted teeth that have not fully emerged. These extractions take more time and care.
Before Dr. Speck begins extraction treatment, he uses anesthesia on the areas that are being treated. This numbs the teeth and gums so patients do not feel anything during the procedure. Dr. Speck will recommend dental implants to patients if they have one or more infected teeth removed. Dental implants look and act just like natural teeth. They replace missing teeth at the root and support the bone tissue.
Removing Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, also known as “third molars”, usually erupt when patients are in their late teens or early twenties. Although not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, they can cause problems for adjacent natural teeth. If there is not enough room in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to erupt, they can become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth cause pain and can even dig into the back molars. Visit Dr. Speck’s office if you notice pain behind your molars. It may be time for an extraction.
FAQs
How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
Depending on the patient, the area can take a few days to a week to heal. You should avoid strenuous activity for at least 48 hours after the tooth extraction. It’s essential to follow the post-operative instructions that your dentist provides to ensure a successful recovery.
Is tooth extraction a major surgery?
Tooth extraction is a surgery, but it is a minor surgery. That means it’s generally less invasive and carries a lower risk of complication than other surgeries.
How painful is a tooth extraction?
Typically a tooth extraction is not a very painful procedure. Many people report that tooth extractions are slightly more uncomfortable than having a dentist fill a cavity. There are, however, some cases where the extraction may be more painful. For example, if there is extensive decay in the tooth or if the tooth is impacted.
Most patients will be able to manage any pain from a tooth extraction with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If you are experiencing significant pain after your extraction, be sure to speak to your dentist about ways to help manage the discomfort.
What should you not do after a tooth extraction?
You should not drink through a straw for the first 48 hours. The sucking motion can cause the clot that forms in the socket to dislodge and the bleeding to start again. Do not rinse your mouth vigorously with water or use a commercial mouthwash right after surgery. These can irritate the wound and disturb the clot. Lastly, do not smoke. Smoking delays healing and increases the risk of infection.
How many teeth can I pull out in one day?
Most dentists will not recommend that you pull out as many teeth as you want in one day. The answer to this question since it largely depends on the individual’s oral health and how many teeth they need to have pulled. Overall, it is best to consult with a dentist to get an accurate estimate of how many of your teeth they can pull in a day.
How can I prevent dry sockets after a tooth extraction?
There are a few things you can do to prevent dry sockets after tooth extraction. You need to avoid smoking and drinking water from a straw for the first few days after the surgery. You should also avoid eating crunchy or sticky foods. Make sure to brush your teeth and floss regularly. Make sure to also keep the surgical site clean and free of debris. Lastly, take painkillers that help relieve any discomfort.
Receive Comfortable Dental Care Today
Are your wisdom teeth coming in? Request a dental appointment with Dr. Speck online or contact Oxford Family Dentistry by calling 610.753.4506. Let Dr. Speck know if you have any questions at your next consultation. He will be happy to assist you.