Tooth Extraction Federal Way, WA
Tooth extractions are often a necessary procedure to help maintain a healthy oral cavity and improve oral function. There are many things that may warrant a tooth extraction. Understanding recommended protocol for what to do before, during, and after the procedure can greatly aid in healing. Following a tooth extraction, a variety of tooth replacement options can give patients a fully-restored smile with no extraction sites.
Tooth extractions are performed at Smile Center Dental Care in Federal Way and the surrounding area. We can help you relieve pain and discomforting symptoms caused by a decayed or damaged tooth. Call us today at (253) 336-0023 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Reasons for Tooth Extraction
Teeth may require extraction if they have suffered damage beyond repair, either through trauma or decay. Other factors that may necessitate tooth extraction include overcrowding, infection, and risk of infection. Typically, tooth extraction for overcrowding occurs when preparing the mouth for braces. Braces are meant to realign the teeth, meaning teeth must have adequate space to move around. A tooth extraction may also occur as part of the orthodontic process if there are teeth that do not have enough room to erupt through the gum.
Teeth may become infected when decay or damage extends to the pulp (the nerves and blood vessels at the center of the tooth). Root canal therapy is often enough to treat this problem. However, tooth infections may become severe enough to require extraction and prevent them from spreading any further. Patients who are immunocompromised may need to have teeth removed even if they are just at risk of infection.
” Teeth may require extraction if they have suffered damage beyond repair, either through trauma or decay.”
Preparing for Tooth Extraction
The first step to getting a tooth extraction is an initial consultation. During this time, patients should go over their medical history with their dentist, along with any other treatments they have planned. They should also tell their doctor about any medications, vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs they are taking. To ensure the patient's health, our team will take X-rays before the extraction and prescribe the patient antibiotics beforehand if necessary. Patients may be prescribed antibiotics if they have an infection, a weakened immune system, or specific medical conditions. The doctor may also prescribe antibiotics for patients who will undergo particularly long procedures.
Patients should wear loose, short-sleeved clothing on the day of the procedure. Additionally, they should refrain from eating or drinking for six to eight hours and refrain from smoking for 12 hours before their appointment. Patients should notify the office immediately if they have a cold, nausea, or vomiting, as this may necessitate rescheduling or use of a different form of anesthesia than initially planned. Those undergoing general anesthesia should make arrangements to have a trusted adult drive them to and from the procedure.
“To ensure the patient’s health, our team will take X-rays before the extraction and prescribe the patient antibiotics beforehand if necessary.”
Process of an Extraction
Once the extraction site and surrounding areas are completely numb, we can safely start the extraction procedure. Teeth are firmly attached to periodontal ligaments in the gums. The first step is to carefully detach the tooth from the ligament fibers using a thin blade. We will place gauze behind the site and toward the back of the throat to prevent the patient from accidentally swallowing the tooth.
In a simple extraction, we use a special instrument known as an elevator to loosen the tooth out of its socket. In surgical extractions, we will need to make small incisions around the encapsulated tooth to expose it. In some cases, the tooth will require removing bit by bit; in others, the tooth may be visible enough to extract whole using the elevator.
“The first step is to carefully detach the tooth from the ligament fibers using a thin blade.”
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Aftercare for Tooth Extractions
Patients should prioritize maintaining the blood clot that forms in the socket left behind by the extraction, as this will prevent complications like dry socket. Patients need to set aside the first 24 hours after the procedure for rest and change the gauze as needed. However, the gauze should remain in the mouth for a few hours, so there is adequate time for the blood clot to form. Patients should refrain from rinsing, using straws, spitting, blowing their nose, sneezing, or smoking as the clot heals. Any discomfort should be manageable through over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses. Patients should keep their head elevated in their sleep to avoid blood from pooling in the head.
“Patients need to set aside the first 24 hours after the procedure for rest and change the gauze as needed.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Do I need a tooth extraction?
Q. How will my doctor help me prepare for my tooth extraction?
Q. What should I do after my tooth extraction?
Q. What happens during a tooth extraction?
Q. What are possible risks and side effects of a tooth extraction?
People Also Ask
Q. How do I begin preparing for wisdom teeth extraction?
Q. Why is routine dental care important?
Q. What if a crown or root canal cannot save my cracked tooth?
Q. What are some of the reasons one might need a tooth extraction?
Q. What happens during a routine dental checkup?
Possible Risks and Side Effects
There are general side effects that result after a tooth extraction, such as inflammation, swelling, and pain or discomfort. These symptoms often dissipate on their own over the first few days. However, some cases of extraction can result in complications, and it is a good idea to know them before deciding to undergo an extraction.
One of the most common risks of extraction is dry socket, which occurs when a blood clot does not form or is dislodged, exposing the bone underneath. Dry sockets can delay healing, progress infection, and aid in the development of chronic bone infection or osteomyelitis. Other possible risks of a tooth extraction include the bite collapsing (in cases of more than one tooth extracted), osteoradionecrosis (death of underlying bone), nerve injury, and maxillary sinus exposure (a hole exposing the sinus).
“One of the most common risks of extraction is dry socket, which occurs when a blood clot does not form or is dislodged, exposing the bone underneath.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long does the pain last after an extraction?
A. Recovering from an extraction varies from patient to patient, but healing time generally lasts from one to two weeks. Pain stemming from the extraction site may be present for the first 48-72 hours, but patients should take their medications as prescribed to reduce pain and aid with healing. Patients experiencing pain that lasts longer than two weeks should immediately call us to schedule a follow-up appointment.
Q. Will I need any other appointments following the extraction procedure?
A. In most cases, we like to schedule a follow-up appointment with all patients who have undergone an extraction. Whether the procedure was minor or severe, blood clots can dislodge without a patient realizing, and other complications may not exhibit signs. During the follow-up, we will check the extraction site, clean it thoroughly, and discuss possible tooth replacement options.
Q. Are wisdom teeth always extracted?
A. Wisdom teeth only need to be extracted when they are impacted, causing pain or pressure, or are pushing inwards to the neighboring teeth. In most cases, these signs are evident when the wisdom teeth first erupt, but they may become apparent later in adulthood as well. We will discuss whether a patient should remove their wisdom teeth when it becomes necessary.
Q. How much do extractions cost?
A. Each extraction procedure is different and will vary in cost. We encourage patients to speak with their insurance provider to better understand their plan and coverage. We can also work with patients to figure out a payment option that works best for them.
Q. What happens if I have a complication after an extraction?
A. Most complications that arise after an extraction can be treated. In cases of dry socket, we can thoroughly flush out the infection and apply a medicated dressing to seal the hole. For other complications, there may be a treatment or surgery that follows to treat the condition and keep the oral cavity healthy.
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Dental Terminology
Learn More Today
For many patients, tooth extraction can help reverse the damage done by trauma and decay. We at Smile Center Dental Care may be able to help. Call us today at 253-336-0023 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
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