Tooth Extraction Procedures: What to Expect

Many people dread having a tooth extracted, even though tooth extraction is common in dentistry today. However, a tooth extraction procedure can be a positive experience with the right approach. Glow Dental Co. offers our patients safe, painless extraction services in Austin, Texas. Learning more about the tooth extraction process can help ease your anxiety and fear. With that in mind, Dr. Kelsi Lewis explains more about tooth extraction here.   

Tooth Extraction: What to Expect

If your dentist recommends tooth extraction, you can rest assured that it’s your best course of action. There are various reasons for having a tooth removed. Your tooth may have suffered irreparable damage or is putting healthy teeth at risk. Teeth that are causing jaw or sinus pain, inflamed gums, bite problems, or other dental issues may need to be removed to preserve oral health.    

There are two types of tooth extraction: simple and surgical. If your tooth is visible and easily accessible, a simple extraction will suffice. A surgical extraction is necessary when a tooth is impacted or broken at the gum line.

Here’s what you can expect from the tooth extraction process: 

Extraction Planning: Dr. Lewis will plan your extraction and discuss how it will be done so you’ll know what to expect. We’ll answer any questions you may have about your procedure and subsequent recovery and share guidelines on what you can do to prepare for your extraction procedure. 

Anesthesia: Tooth extraction is done under local anesthesia so you feel no discomfort or pain. You may, however, feel pressure while your tooth is being removed – that’s normal. Sedation is also an option to keep you relaxed and comfortable during extraction. 

Loosening/Pulling Tooth: For a simple extraction, Dr. Lewis will use a special dental tool called a dental elevator to relieve your tooth and forceps to have your tooth removed. For a surgical extraction, we’ll make a small incision in your gums and remove bone tissue, if necessary, to reach your tooth. Then we’ll loosen it with an elevator and pull it loose.  

Closing of Surgical Site: After a surgical extraction, we’ll stitch your gum closed so it can heal. Then, we’ll place gauze over the extraction site to curtail any bleeding.

Recovery: Dr. Lewis will provide you with post-op instructions to help expedite your recovery. We recommend the following:

• Brush your teeth gently, avoiding the extraction site.
• Make sure the blood clot that forms at the site isn’t disturbed.
• Take OTC pain medication to ease pain. Rinse with warm salt water to reduce swelling and prevent infection.
• Plan to eat a soft diet for 4 to 5 days while the extraction site heals. 
• Refrain from smoking and using a straw during your initial recovery. 

You should feel back to normal within a week or two.  

Where to Go for Dental Extractions 

For safe, pain-free tooth extraction treatment, contact Dr. Kelsi Lewis from Glow Dental Co. in Austin, TX., at (512) 572-4842.

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