What to Know About Tooth Extractions

A tooth extraction can be a stressful experience, but knowing what to expect can help. When you visit the dentist in Brooklyn, OH, your dentist should be able to answer any questions you have about tooth extractions. Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about tooth extractions.

What Happens During A Dental Extraction?

During a dental extraction, the dentist will start by examining your tooth to determine the best method of extraction and whether the extraction is necessary. Once the dentist performs the examination, they’ll numb the area to ensure that you can’t feel the extraction happening.

Next, the dentist will use a tool to loosen your tooth, then the dentist will pull it out. If your tooth is broken at the gum line, the dentist may need to make an incision in your gums to remove the tooth.

Do Dental Extractions Hurt?

The dental extraction should not hurt while it is taking place, because the area should be numbed. However, you may experience some discomfort after the numbness wears off. Your dentist will recommend strategies (like taking over-the-counter medications) to help ease your comfort during this period.

How Long Do Dental Extractions Take?

Most dental extractions are relatively fast. Dental extractions can be finished in as little as 30 minutes or can take as long as one hour.

When Is An Extraction Necessary?

You may need a dental extraction if your tooth becomes injured or damaged. If your tooth becomes infected and the infection is allowed to progress, the dentist may recommend an extraction. Some people require tooth extraction when they have crowded teeth.

How Do You Recover From a Dental Extraction?

To recover from a dental extraction, avoid strenuous activity for two days, or as long as the dentist recommends. Your dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain medication. Keep the extraction site clean. You can brush and floss like normal, but avoid brushing or flossing the extraction site.

For more information about dental extractions in Brooklyn, OH, call your dentist at Biddulph Family Dental today.

Can a Tooth Extraction Cure Gum Disease?

Your gums and teeth work best as a team, so you may wonder if getting rid of a diseased or damaged tooth will also help your gum disease improve. The short answer is that while tooth extractions won’t cure your gum diseases, they can be an important part of your treatment plan. We’ll look at how the two function together and why it’s important to address both your teeth and gums before they get any worse.

The Infection and the Extraction

Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue that can stretch into the jaw bone. If you extract the tooth, this doesn’t actually cure the infection. In fact, if you simply pull the tooth and don’t do anything to fill the space, it can lead to additional bone loss. If you need a tooth extraction in Brooklyn, OH, due to an infection, an extraction may stop the tooth infection from spreading to the gums, but this will not do anything to address the original gum infection.

The Best Course of Treatment

The best course of treatment will ultimately depend on what your dentist recommends. However, it generally involves taking care of both matters as quickly as possible. If you have severe gum disease, this may mean performing a few extractions and determining if you’re a good candidate for a grafting procedure to reinforce the gums.

If you can restore your mouth, you may be a good candidate for implants, dental bridges, dentures, or partial dentures. If you have mild to moderate gum disease and require an extraction, you’ll likely be able to get implants or a dental bridge to replace your teeth without requiring a grafting procedure. You may be able to manage your periodontal disease simply by scheduling more deep cleanings.

Tooth Extractions in Brooklyn, OH

If you’re looking for a dentist in Brooklyn, OH, who can tell you more about these two common conditions, the staff at Biddulph Family Dental is here to help. Extractions are a relatively simple procedure, even if they can be scary to schedule on the surface. Once the tooth has been pulled, we help you find the best treatments for better oral health.