Are your wisdom teeth growing in?
While we like to avoid permanent tooth loss, Larsen Family Dental understands that there are times when a problematic tooth needs to be safely removed. Whether you need a wisdom tooth removed or you are experiencing an overcrowded mouth, Dr. Larsen can provide you with a safe tooth extraction as a part of our general dentistry services in our Bountiful, UT dental office.
Tooth extraction is the process of dislodging a tooth from your gums. Depending on whether or not the tooth has erupted through the gums, tooth extraction may require a small incision to access the tooth before removing it. Local anesthetics are used to keep you calm and comfortable.
It’s important that you seek professional help for a necessary tooth extraction instead of trying to do it yourself at home, as you can experience an infection or extreme pain if done improperly.
Tooth Extraction in Bountiful, UT
A tooth extraction procedure is fairly easy. It will be completed in one visit, and we will send you home with specific aftercare instructions. To begin the procedure, Dr. Larsen will thoroughly numb the area around the tooth.
As your trusted dentist in Bountiful, UT, he will gently dislodge the tooth by detaching the ligament and securing the tooth in your jawbone using special tools. Then, he will rock the tooth back and forth until it is able to be removed.
Afterward, the empty socket will be cleaned and packed with gauze to prevent infection and help the blood clot. It is important for a blood clot to form because it promotes the healing process. A small amount of blood, however, is completely normal.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
What is the aftercare for a tooth extraction?
We recommend leaving the gauze on for a few hours to allow the blood to clot. Rest and relax for the first 24 hours and avoid rinsing out your mouth. Do not use a straw or smoke cigarettes until the extraction site has healed. These activities can dislodge the clot, delay healing, and a dry socket may form.
Additionally, hold a cold compress to your cheeks to reduce facial swelling. Patients typically recover within a few days of treatment without complication. If you experience excessive bleeding or pain, please contact our office as soon as possible.
Will tooth extraction hurt?
Local anesthetics are used to ensure you only experience slight pressure during a tooth extraction. However, your jaw might be sore for a few days following the procedure. Additional sedation dentistry options are available for patients who are especially nervous about their tooth extraction appointment.
Why do I need to get my wisdom teeth removed?
Because your wisdom teeth often grow in after the rest of your mouth has already developed, these additional teeth can cause an overcrowded mouth. Overcrowding can lead to your teeth shifting or an impacted tooth. Additionally, because wisdom teeth grow in the far back of your mouth, they will be extremely difficult to keep clean if allowed to fully erupt.
What should I do to prepare for a tooth extraction?
It depends on the kind of extraction you’re getting. If you’re only getting local anesthesia, you may not have to fast for your appointment. For wisdom tooth extractions and others where you’re getting more extensive anesthesia, you’ll have to fast for around 12 hours before your procedure. Anesthesia medication can cause nausea, which we want to avoid.
How do I know if the extraction site is healing properly?
After about three days, the open socket should be mostly healed. If you still have a lot of pain or bleeding, contact us. At this stage, you might feel some soreness but shouldn’t feel pain. Swelling should be minimal as well. If you experience more severe symptoms, contact us immediately.
Does a tooth extraction change the shape of my face?
A wisdom tooth extraction won’t really have an impact on the shape of your face. However, other tooth extractions will. With tooth extraction, the dentist removes the tooth root as well. Without the tooth root, bone loss starts in this area and your face will start to sag as well. We offer many options for tooth replacement to keep your face full and unchanged after the extraction.
Does a tooth extraction impact my brain or eyes?
It’s a pervasive rumor that the nerves of your teeth are connected to your brain and eyes. Therefore, it persists that pulling a tooth will have an effect on the brain and eyes. This is completely false. There are no side effects to any other parts of your body when your tooth is extracted.
How long will my mouth take to heal after a tooth extraction?
For around 48-72 hours after extraction, the dentist requests that you rest and allow the area to clot properly. After this, you’re able to return to a normal schedule. It takes about 3-4 weeks for the tissue in this area to heal completely.
Do You Need a Tooth Extraction?
If you think you have a tooth that may need to be extracted, it’s time to see your dentist. Call us or schedule an appointment online today.