In a perfect world, dental issues would not exist, and you would keep your natural teeth for a lifetime. Unfortunately, according to an article published by Colgate Global Scientific Communications, dental extractions are the most common surgical procedure in the United States. Although it is usually a straightforward process with little to no discomfort, you may feel anxious or concerned about the prospect of having a tooth surgically removed.
No one wants to hear they need a dental extraction; however, if the need arises and you want to preserve your oral health, knowing what to expect can help avoid unnecessary stress or worry. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the dental extraction process at Alum Hills Dental in Alum Rock, San Jose.
The Consultation
We understand the thought of a dental extraction can be scary, but delaying treatment can lead to unnecessary pain and severe health issues. If your dentist recommends removing one or more of your teeth, it will likely be for one of the following reasons:
- Severe decay
- Tooth overcrowding
- Advanced gum disease
- A broken or cracked tooth that can’t be repaired
- Wisdom teeth discomfort or complications
At your consultation, we will:
- Discuss the reasons that make an extraction necessary
- Inform you about every step of the treatment process
- Use Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) to identify the issue and plan your treatment
- Explain your sedation options to you
- Answer your questions to help you feel confident about your upcoming appointment
The Extraction Process
When you arrive for your appointment, we will make sure you are comfortable in a treatment room before beginning the extraction process, which includes:
- If you have chosen to use nitrous oxide, we will administer it to help you relax. Administered through a nasal mask, nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” makes you feel euphoric and calm, taking the stress out of the dental procedure. Our caring team will monitor you during the entire procedure, and the nitrous oxide will leave your system quickly, allowing you to drive yourself home afterward.
- Next, we will use local anesthesia to completely numb your affected tooth and the surrounding gum tissue.
- Once you are relaxed and numb, we will use special tools to gently loosen and remove your tooth from its socket.
- If your tooth is broken or badly decayed, we may need to make small incisions in your gums before removing your tooth.
- After the extraction, we will disinfect the area, and we may stitch it closed to promote healing.
Tips for Recovery after an Extraction
Following your dentist’s instructions after an extraction is an integral part of the process. Here’s what you can do to have the best chance of avoiding any complications:
Rest your mouth — Avoid talking, eating, or drinking for several hours. Also, make sure not to drink from a straw, spit, or smoke during recovery.
Drink fluids—Once any bleeding has subsided, drink plenty of liquids. Consider broth as a way to nourish yourself until you can eat solid foods.
Eat soft food — Only eat soft foods while your mouth is healing. Oatmeal, scrambled eggs, and yogurt will prevent you from disrupting the extraction area.
Avoid brushing — Don’t brush the teeth surrounding the extraction site for the first twelve hours.
Follow your dentist’s instructions — Take over-the-counter pain relievers for discomfort, and contact your dentist if you have persistent bleeding or other complications.
Possible Complications after a Tooth Extraction in San Jose
Most dental extractions don’t involve any complications, and you’ll be back to normal in a short amount of time. However, if you notice any of the following issues, you should contact your dentist right away:
Bleeding—A small amount of bleeding is normal after an extraction, but a blood clot should begin to form after a few hours. If the bleeding continues for longer than that, call your dentist for more information.
Dry socket—If the blood clot in your tooth’s socket gets dislodged or never forms, it is known as a dry socket. Your dental team needs to address this painful situation quickly.
Infection—Because of the bacteria in your mouth, there’s a chance of infection after an extraction. If you experience pain or notice pus in the tooth’s socket, it’s best to contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Replacement Options in Alum Rock
Once your tooth has been extracted, it’s essential to replace it as soon as you can to avoid the following:
- Bone loss
- Shifting of remaining teeth
- Gum disease
- Changes in facial appearance
- Decreased self-esteem
We can discuss your tooth replacement options and decide on the best treatment plan for your timeline and budget. You can fill the gap in your smile with any of these restorations:
- Dental implants
- Dental bridges
- Full or partial dentures
Need More Information?
If you have questions or concerns about dental extraction in San Jose, the expert dental team at Alum Hills Dental would be happy to help! We will take as much time as necessary to explain the process and put your mind at ease. You can reach our dental office at (408) 251-0610. We are conveniently located near East Foothills and Alum Rock.
We look forward to hearing from you!