In some cases, the removal of a tooth may be the best option in terms of preserving one’s oral health. Tooth extractions are conducted for many reasons, including severe tooth decay, irreparable damage, advanced gum disease, poor tooth positioning and prepping for orthodontic treatment. The dental care experts at Bergenfield Dental understand the concerns associated with having a tooth extracted, and we work to make the process as easy and as pain-free as possible.
A tooth extraction starts by applying a local anesthetic to the tooth that is designated for removal. This numbs the tooth, jawbone and gum and prevents the patient from experiencing any pain during the procedure. Once the local anesthetic is applied, the dentist will initiate the actual removal of the tooth. As the tooth is being pulled from the socket, the patient may feel some pressure in the area. Larger teeth may need to be cut into multiple sections prior to being removed.
After the tooth has been removed, it is critical that a blood clot is formed at the site of the extraction as quickly as possible so the healing process can begin. This is done by having the patient bite down on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes. Once the clot has been formed, the patient must be careful not to disturb it in any way. This means refraining from using a straw, rinsing vigorously, smoking, consuming drugs or alcohol and participating in intense exercise for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
The patient may experience some pain at the site of the extraction once the local anesthesia wears off. If necessary, a painkiller will be prescribed. It is also advised that the patient use an icepack on the outer cheek near the extraction site as a way of reducing swelling. The patient should be able to resume their normal brushing and flossing practices 24 hours after the procedure. In the event that the patient experiences significant pain or uncontrolled bleeding, they should contact our office immediately.
If you require a tooth extraction and you want to learn more about the procedure and the associated post-op care, please contact our office at (201) 384-0100 to schedule an appointment.