Your 4-Step Guide to Tooth Extractions

Many people fear the dreaded tooth extraction treatment. It’s hard to blame them; pulling an adult tooth out of its socket doesn’t exactly sound comfortable! However, tooth extractions are often a last resort, recommended only when no other option can restore and protect your oral health. So it’s not a good idea to avoid them.

Fortunately, the tooth extraction process isn’t as bad as it might seem! This four-step guide will give you an idea of what to expect.

Step 1: Securing Your Comfort

The first thing your dentist will do after greeting you at the door and leading you to your chair is apply a topical numbing gel to your gums. This minimizes any uncomfortable sensations from the anesthetic injection, which will in turn numb the area around your affected tooth.

Dentists want you to be as comfortable as possible during your treatment, which is why many practices also offer dental sedation options to help calm their patient’s nerves. If you think you would benefit from such accommodation, don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist!

Step 2: Tooth Extraction

After securing your comfort, the next step is simply to remove your troubled tooth. Depending on your situation, there are two methods your dentist might use:

Simple Extraction

Simple extractions are, well, simple! Your dentist will gently wiggle the tooth free, and once any bleeding is staunched and your stitches are set, that will be the end of your treatment.

Impacted Extraction

Impacted teeth are pearly whites that are, for one reason or another, trapped below your gumline. This often occurs with wisdom teeth and requires a more surgical approach. Your dentist may have to make a small incision in your gums to reach the impacted tooth, and then they’ll section it off into smaller pieces for safe removal.

Step 3: Post-Op Recovery

Whew! With your bothersome tooth successfully removed, you can focus on getting home and recovering. Over-the-counter pain medications are recommended for managing oral soreness. You should also:

• Avoid strenuous activity.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Eat soft, squishy foods until your dentist says it’s safe to eat solids.
• Continue brushing twice daily and flossing once daily but be careful and gentle.

Step 4: Follow Up as Necessary

Typically, patients are instructed to see their dentist for a follow up visit one week after their extraction. Your dentist will want to check on the treatment area to ensure your recovery is progressing smoothly and might remove your stitches – unless they’re the dissolvable kind.

Sometimes, more appointments are necessary to more closely monitor a patient’s oral health. Otherwise, your dentist will likely pronounce your treatment complete. All that will be left to do is discuss your tooth replacement options!

About the Author

Dr. Ulysses L. Marable earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry in Augusta. He has completed advanced training in dental implant replacements and is a proud member of the American Dental Association and Georgia Dental Association. Dr. Marble prioritizes patient comfort and wellness, so if you need a tooth extraction, you can trust his guidance. To contact his office, call 478-825-3000.