Gresham Tooth Extraction Dentist

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Gresham Tooth Extraction Dentist

Sometimes, there will be a situation where it is necessary to remove a tooth. This could be due to the fact that it has become damaged, or decayed, but it might also be because it is a wisdom tooth which is causing the patient severe pain. Another reason when a tooth extraction is necessary is when the mouth has become overcrowded, and the presence of one tooth is causing problems for all of the others in the mouth.

The good news is that tooth extraction is an everyday routine at Main Street Dental, and is a quick and straightforward process with your Gresham tooth extraction dentist. The first part of the process involves taking an x-ray of the tooth and the surrounding area of the mouth. This is important because we need to identify the location, size, positioning, and area around the tooth. Once we have all of the above information, we are then able to plan the extraction process with more accuracy and detail.

The process for removing a front tooth, for example, tends to be much simpler, because it only has one root, compared to a molar, which has multiple roots. The next part of the preparation is to work out how much anesthesia and sedation will be required, to keep your mouth numb and ensure that the operation is as quick and pain-free as possible. Once the tooth has been removed, we can then discuss the best option moving forward which could include a dental implant or a bridge.

Gresham Tooth Extraction Dentist FAQ

Q: Following The Extraction What Can I Eat Or Drink?

A: As you might expect, your mouth will be tender for a few days after the extraction, and so most of our patients stick to soft food and drinks. One word of caution though, and that is not to use a straw; the reasoning behind this is that the sucking motion when using a straw can put pressure on the stitches which could potentially cause bleeding and other problems.

Q: I Expect To Be In Some Pain After The Extraction, But How Long Should I Expect This To Last?

A: It is fair to say that after the extraction process, most people do experience some level of pain, although it will vary among patients. The good news is that this pain will only last for a few days, and after about a week, most patients will begin to experience a significant decrease in the pain and discomfort they are suffering. In the unlikely event that you feel that the pain is increasing, then contact us straight away, as there is a possibility you are experiencing dry socket. Dry socket occurs when the blood clot which fills the cavity following the extraction is lost. This then leaves the underlying nerves exposed and can cause considerable pain for the patient. It is unlikely to happen, but if it does it is a quick and straightforward procedure to rectify the problem.

Q: Do I Have To Come Back To The Dentist To Have Stitches Removed?

A: At Main Street Dental, we use two different types of stitches, dependent on the location and severity of the extraction. If we can use dissolvable stitches, then as the name implies they will slowly dissolve, and there will be no need to return to the dentist purely for the purpose of stitch removal. If they are not the dissolvable variety, then you will need to come back to have them removed. This is not something to worry about; however, it is a pain-free process, the dentist will just have to apply a little pressure, and you may experience a tugging feeling.

Q: What Type Of Pain Treatment Will I Receive?

A: The vast majority of our patients use over the counter pain relief medications, which are typically more than sufficient. If we feel that your pain may be more severe for whatever reason, then we can prescribe you stronger medication. We always advise our patients to bring some pain medication with them, and then take that immediately after the extraction. As the general anaesthetic wears off the pain medication will help reduce the pain. Do not be tempted to use aspirin for pain relief, as it can thin the blood, and prevent the blood from clotting.

Q: How Soon After An Extraction Can I Return To Work?

A: Everyone is different, and everyone has a different job, so this question is a difficult one to answer. We would generally advise you to take the day off following your extraction, and give your body a little time to rest and recover. Because of the swelling, some patients also find it hard to speak clearly, and if your job involves heavy lifting, then it is advisable to refrain from working for up to a week. This is because you shouldn’t exercise, bend over or lift heavy items for at least 1 to 3 days.

Q: Do I need a tooth extraction?

A: Only your dentist can tell you if you need a tooth extraction. However, you may be a candidate for the procedure if one or more of your teeth are decayed so severely that a filling or others restoration is not a possibility for treatment.

Q: What should I expect during my tooth extraction appointment?

A: If you and your dentist decide to extract one or more teeth, you will be scheduled to return for oral surgery at a later date. You will be given a local anesthetic to prevent pain during the procedure, and you may be prescribed medications to help manage pain in the hours following your extraction. Depending on the nature of your extraction and other factors, such as whether your teeth are impacted, you may also be sedated or given general anesthesia during your procedure.

Q: What type of post-treatment care will I need to follow?

A: Post-operative care following a tooth extraction is essential for healing and preventing complications. You will be instructed to avoid certain foods and also keep the surgical site clean at all times. If you are prescribed an antibiotic, it is important that you complete the course of treatment to prevent infection. Finally, you may be advised to avoid smoking or drinking through a straw, as doing so may delay the healing process and cause a condition known as ‘dry socket.’

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