Extractions

Your dentist may determine that extraction is necessary because a tooth has grown abnormally and is having negative effects. If the mouth is overcrowded, or a tooth has not erupted beyond the gum line, there might be cause for having a tooth pulled. If a tooth becomes affected down to the core, and procedures such as root canals will not be enough to solve the problem, it may be best to have the tooth extracted. Cracked teeth which cannot be sealed or repaired in some other fashion may also need to be extracted.

Depending on the case the dentist will apply a local or general anesthetic. Once the patient is sedated the dentist will ensure that he can get a good grip on the tooth. This may involve clearing away gum tissue if the tooth is impacted. Then the dentist will use his forceps to get a hold of the tooth and wriggle it back and forth until it comes free. Once the tooth is out, the dentist will pressure gauze into the now-empty socket to ensure proper clotting.

Before getting a tooth pulled patients should advise their dentists of any condition which may put them at risk during the procedure. These include poor immune health, congenital heart defects, cirrhosis of the liver, and artificial joints. After the procedure, it is important to slowly ease solid foods back into the diet over a day or two, to ice the affected area to reduce swelling, to take painkillers only as necessary, and to inform your dentist if steady bleeding persists four hours after the operation.

Visit Legacy Dental Care in Huntington Beach if you feel you may need to have a tooth extraction. There you will be examined, and your dentist will determine if extraction is, in fact, the best option for you.