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2 Sep, 2019

Getting tooth Extraction? What to Expect, Causes For Extraction, and More

Getting tooth pulled out is not only a thing for kids. Adults also need to pull some teeth out due to many circumstances like wisdom tooth extraction. Here are some questions about tooth extractions that the dentist in Huntington Beach are frequently asked about.

Why you need a tooth extraction?

There are various reasons why a tooth needs to be pulled out. Some of the most common are:

  • Trauma: In case of an accident, if the tooth gets chipped or damaged, the dentist might remove your damaged tooth and replace it with a fake one.
  • Crowded Mouth: Sometimes tooth extraction becomes necessary for orthodontia. Orthodontia means proper alignment of teeth.
  • Infection: While root canal treatment can solve the problem of tooth decay. However, in severe cases where the infection has reached the pulp, and there a high chance that other teeth might get infected, tooth extraction becomes necessary.
  • Risk of Infection: Sometimes the tooth becomes a source of infection to other teeth. This generally happens after organ transplant treatment or cancer treatment. This is because the drugs taken during these treatments can weaken the immune system and cause tooth infection easily.

What is the Procedure?

Tooth Extraction in Huntington Beach is mostly done by oral surgeons. The dentist will first numb the area where the tooth is to be removed by giving a local anesthesia injection. In some instances, your dentist might even give strong anesthesia to prevent pain throughout the body and make you sleep during the whole procedure.

In case of simple tooth extraction, your dentist will use a small tool called the elevator to loosen the gums and remove the teeth. However, in cases of surgical extraction, the dentist will cut away the gum and bone tissue surrounding the affected tooth and remove the tooth by rocking it.

To prevent blood clot the dentist might pack a gauze pack in the socket of the tooth or give dissolvable stitches.

What do you need to tell your dentist before tooth extraction?

The tooth extraction procedure is safe. However, before getting your tooth extracted you need to tell your dentist about your complete medical history and the medications you take. Also, you need to specify whether you have any of the following:

  • Heart condition
  • Liver disease
  • Artificial joint
  • Impaired immune system
  • History of bacterial endocarditis

What are the risks of tooth extraction?

Tooth extraction is a mastered procedure performed by experts at legacy dental care. There are hardly any risks involved. However, in some cases, the procedure can allow harmful bacteria into the bloodstream. The gum tissues can also get infected. Sometimes the blood clot in the socket breaks loose and can cause pain. This condition is called a dry socket. If this happens make sure you contact your dentist and get the sockets properly dressed.

What to expect after tooth extraction?

The recovery usually takes a few days. Here are some tips that can help in a smooth recovery.

  • Bite down the gauze after it is applied to the socket to stop bleeding.
  • Apply ice pack immediately after the procedure to reduce swelling.
  • Take medications as prescribed.
  • Take a whole days rest after the procedure.
  • Avoid smoking.
  • Place pillows so that your head does not lie flat on the surface.
  • Don’t rinse your mouth for 24 hours after the procedure. Only spit gently.
  • Eat food that is not hard to bite.
  • After you have recovered. Slowly introduce other foods in your diet.

When to visit your dentist?

You will feel some pain after the anesthesia wears off. You might also experience swelling and bleeding after the procedure. These are normal and you don’t have to worry about them. However, if the pain is severe and subsides more than four hours of tooth extraction then you should call your dentist.

Contact your emergency dentist Long Beach, CA in case you are experiencing any of the following:

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Redness or swelling in the affected area
  • Symptoms of infections such as fever and chills.
  • Cough, pain in the chest, shortness of breath etcetera.

Tooth extraction is better if done by experienced professionals. Legacy dental care has the best team of dentists in Huntington Beach. They are well equipped with the procedure and will make your treatment as comfortable and hassle-free as possible. They are committed to providing a comprehensive dental solution for families located in the Huntington Beach area and treat patients of all ages.