We Make You Comfortable When Extractions Are Needed
When you’re young, losing your baby teeth is a matter of course. Adult teeth, on the other hand, are supposed to last the rest of your life, and we’ll do everything in our power to preserve them whenever they’re injured or infected. Every situation is unique, and the unfortunate reality is that not every tooth can be salvaged. If you call Dr. Bartusiak for a dental emergency and end up needing a tooth removed, as a result, we’ll use our advanced techniques and sedation options to help you remain calm and comfortable throughout tooth extractions in our Washington, PA, dental office.
Why is Tooth Extraction Necessary?
The decision to remove a tooth is not one that we’ll ever make lightly. That said, there are some particular situations where the procedure must be considered. The most common is when a tooth has suffered from extreme damage. This might be due to an injury, or it could be a consequence of untreated decay. In either case, while there are options for repairing or treating the tooth (such as crowns or root canal therapy), they might not be viable under certain circumstances. For instance, if a crown has completely broken off and the remainder of the tooth is below the gum line, it might not be possible to place a restoration. Other reasons might include the following:
- An overcrowded mouth where there’s not enough room for braces to properly align the teeth.
- An infection that does not respond to root canal therapy or antibiotics.
- A tooth is at risk for infection when your immune system is severely compromised.
The Tooth Extraction Process
You’ll be given a local anesthetic at the beginning of the treatment, so you won’t have to worry about pain or discomfort during the extraction. The next step depends on what kind of extraction needs to be performed. It is pretty simple if the tooth is visible in your mouth; we need to loosen it with a special instrument before removing it altogether. For teeth trapped beneath the gums, surgery is required to remove the tissue to expose the tooth. Once the tooth has been exposed, we can gently loosen it with forceps. However, some teeth are hard to remove and must be divided into pieces first.
Immediately following the treatment, we’ll have you bite on a gauze bag to stop the bleeding. This allows a blood clot to form, protecting the exposed socket while your mouth heals.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
We’ll give you more specific aftercare instructions following the procedure. In general, you should take painkillers as prescribed. Using an ice pack to keep swelling to a minimum is a good idea. Rest for at least 24 hours after the extraction and try to limit activity for the next day or two. Avoid drinking from a straw, as it might dislodge the blood clot.
Tooth Extractions FAQs
We only get one set of pearly whites in our lifetime. Although you may do everything in your power to preserve them, there are instances where a hurting tooth cannot be salvaged. Fortunately, that’s where tooth extractions come in to save the day. By removing a damaged or decayed tooth, we can restore your oral health so you can enjoy a problem-free smile. At Bartusiak Dental Care of Washington, we understand that getting a tooth pulled can sound intimidating. We’ve decided to answer some frequently asked patient questions to ease your nerves.
Dental-related anxiety is a problem that affects millions of Americans every year. It’s typically not a big deal unless it gets in the way of receiving dental care. If you have a fear of the dentist, you may be hesitant to move forward with a tooth extraction because you’re worried the procedure will be painful. Rest assured – we’ll numb your mouth beforehand to ensure you’re completely comfortable while getting your tooth pulled. Keep in mind that you’ll likely experience soreness and discomfort after the procedure. However, you can have a speedy and smooth sailing recovery by diligently following your aftercare instructions.
It’s incredibly important that you take the time to properly prepare for your tooth extraction in Washington. During your consultation, make sure you ask Dr. Bartusiak what to do in preparation for the procedure. He’ll explain what to bring, what to eat, and provide you with other specific instructions. Since you’ll likely receive local or general anesthesia, you should arrange for a trusted individual to drive you home following your extraction.
A tooth extraction is a major procedure, which is why there’s a long list of aftercare instructions you’ll need to follow. Besides resting, one of the most important aspects of your recovery is caring for the blood clot that forms on the surgical site. If you fail to do so, you risk having a dry socket, which can be quite painful. Additionally, you’ll need to keep your mouth as clean as possible while you heal to minimize the risk of infection. You can do that by rinsing with warm salt water, changing the gauze as necessary, and practicing good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing daily).
The number of options you have depends on the number of teeth you’re getting pulled and where they’re located in the mouth. Based on your unique case, Dr. Bartusiak will recommend one of the following:
- Dental Bridge – This option uses adjacent teeth to anchor the replacement tooth in place.
- Dentures – If you got multiple teeth pulled, you can seamlessly rebuild your smile with partial or full dentures.
- Dental Implants – This method of tooth replacement is considered the best one because it offers many incredible benefits, such as unmatched durability, longer lifespan, and the ability to preserve the jawbone.
Want A Gorgeous Smile? We Can Help Restore It!
