Tooth Extractions: 5 Things Your Torrance Dentist Wants You to Know

A tooth extraction is the process of removing a tooth. The reason why someone needs an extraction varies from patient to patient, as does how patients respond to the procedure.

Your Dentist of Torrance team understands how intimidating and even scary it can be to hear that you need a tooth extraction.

Part of the problem is fear of the unknown.

We want to take some of the mystery out of things so that you feel comfortable and confident when you show up for your tooth extraction procedure.

5 Things Your Dentist Wants You to Know About Tooth Extractions in Torrance

Today, we will share a few of the basics when it comes to what you need to know about tooth extractions. After reviewing this list, we recommend scheduling an appointment with your Torrance dentist if you still have questions or concerns. They’ll address all your concerns and answer your questions, so you feel prepared before your tooth extraction procedure.

1. There Are Multiple Reasons Why Patients Need Extractions

Why does your Torrance dentist recommend a tooth extraction? There are a few reasons.

• Dental decay: Decay is one of the top reasons patients need a tooth extraction. When we catch decay early, we can repair the tooth witha simple filling. However, if decay isn’t addressed right away, it will progress rapidly, resulting in pulp damage or significant loss of tooth structure. It’s impossible to restore the tooth with a filling in this situation. The patient will needroot canal therapy and a crown or a tooth extraction.
• Periodontal disease: The number one cause of tooth loss isgum disease. When this disease progresses, the gums and bone around the root of the teeth eventually start to recede. Over time, the bone will recede so much that there’s not enough to support the tooth, resulting in loose teeth. At a certain point, gum disease cannot be reversed. It can be arrested, but it can result in tooth loss if action isn’t taken soon enough.
• Trauma: Biting down on something hard, having an accident, or getting hit in the face can result in a fractured tooth. Sometimes, your Torrance dentist can restore a fractured tooth with a dental crown. In other cases, the tooth is so damaged that it’s impossible to restore. Your dentist will likely recommend a tooth extraction and dental implant when this happens.
• Overcrowding: You might need one or multiple extractions if you’re considering orthodontic treatment for bite misalignment, crowded, and/or crooked teeth. The size of your jawbone determines whether you have enough room for all your teeth once they’re straight and un-crowded. If there’s not enough room, extractions may be recommended. The most common orthodontic extractions are removing the wisdom teeth and/or one set of bicuspids.
• Wisdom teeth: When you don’t have enough room for thewisdom teeth to come in, you should have them extracted. Otherwise, they can start causing problems, including gum disease and decay of adjacent teeth.

2. There Are Two Types of Extractions

A simple extraction is when your dentist gently uses forceps to pull a tooth out of its socket. A surgical extraction consists of using a scalpel to create an incision into the gum tissue to access an impacted tooth or the roots of one that’s not easily extracted with forceps.

3. Some Discomfort After the Extraction Is Common

Your Torrance dentist will thoroughly numb your teeth and gums during your tooth extraction procedure. Because of this, you shouldn’t experience any pain, though you might feel some pressure.

To ensure your comfort, your dentist offers multiple sedation options, including:

• Nitrous oxide
• Prescription oral sedatives
• IV sedation

You’ll be relaxed but still awake if you’re sedated with nitrous oxide or oral medication. IV sedation puts you out completely, so you sleep through the whole procedure.

After your appointment, you will likely experience some soreness at the extraction site once the anesthesia wears off. You might also feel jaw soreness. It isn’t uncommon for some facial swelling to occur, too. Anti-inflammatories, pain killers, and ice packs can help reduce your discomfort.

4. Following Your Torrance Dentist’s Post-Op Instructions Is a Must

When you leave your tooth extraction appointment, your dental team will provide you with verbal and written post-op instructions. It is vital to your health, healing, and comfort to follow these instructions carefully.

Instructions include:

• Biting down on gauze for at least 30 minutes
• Continuing to bite down on clean gauze if bleeding continues
• Eating soft, cold foods for a few days post-extraction
• Avoiding strenuous activities
• Using warm salt water to rinse and keep the area clean – but waiting 24 hours after the procedure to start this process
• Avoiding smoking for at least 72 hours post-extraction
• Avoiding spitting or drinking through a straw for 24 hours

A blood clot forms in the tooth socket within the first 24 hours after your procedure. Disturbing the blood clot can result in acondition called dry socket, which is very painful and will require additional treatment. You can avoid this by following your Torrance dentist’s post-op instructions carefully.

5. Your Dentist Will Explain How to Prepare for an Extraction

You might think that all you need to do is show up for your appointment. However, there’s a bit more involved. Your Torrance Dentist will review their specific pre-op recommendations with you well before your appointment.

At that appointment, your dentist will review your medical and dental histories. Information they’ll need from you includes:

• Existing medical conditions
• Recent procedures/operations
• Allergies (all allergies, not just to medications)
• Medications you’re taking (prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, herbs, vitamins, and other supplements)

Your dentist will also need to know if you have any of the following medical conditions because you might need medical clearance before your tooth extraction.

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Congestive heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Pregnancy
• Liver disease
• Thyroid disease
• Diabetes
• Immune system impairment
• Artificial joints
• Heart murmur

Some General Pre-Extraction Precautions:

• Let your Torrance dentist know if you’ve been sick (with the flu in particular), as you may need to reschedule
• Avoid smoking tobacco or marijuana before and after the tooth extraction procedure
• Inform your dentist if you’ve experienced any nausea, dizziness, or vomiting the night before your procedure. They may recommend rescheduling.
• Make sure you have someone to drive you to and from your appointment if you’re going to be sedated for your appointment (including nitrous oxide, oral sedatives, or IV sedation)

Do You Still Have Questions?

If you still have questions or concerns about getting a tooth extraction, we urge you to schedule a consultation with your Torrance dentist. As we mentioned previously, we want to take the mystery out of the tooth extraction procedure. Doing so will help you feel more confident about your treatment plan. And there’s nothing more important to us than making sure our patients feel confident, well taken care of, and comfortable.

Are you experiencing tooth pain? Contact our team to schedule an evaluation. We’ll diagnose the issue and help you get out of pain fast!