While your dentist will always try to save your natural teeth, there are times when a tooth extraction is the best path forward. Severe decay, traumatic injuries, crowding, and impacted wisdom teeth can all warrant an extraction, and while there are many benefits to extraction in these cases, the process can still be nerve-wracking.
Here, Niyati Sheth, DDS, explains the tooth extraction process and how the team at Oasis Family Dental in Maywood, New Jersey, can help ease your anxieties.
Before the extraction, Dr. Sheth reviews your medical history and orders X-rays to assess your damaged tooth and the surrounding tissues. You can also discuss sedation options, such as local anesthesia, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), and oral sedation.
Except in the case of removing wisdom teeth, your consultation can cover tooth replacement options, too, like dental bridges or dental implants.
The goal of a tooth extraction is to remove one of your teeth, but the exact procedure — and the recovery process — depends on what type of extraction you need: nonsurgical or surgical.
Dr. Sheth performs these extractions for teeth that are visible above your gumline. After numbing your mouth, she uses forceps to quickly extract your tooth and its root.
Your recovery is simple:
You probably won’t need any pain medication beyond the first day for this type of extraction.
Surgical extractions, on the other hand, are more complex than a simple extraction. You might need a surgical extraction if your tooth is impacted (below the gums) or partially impacted.
Because some wisdom teeth can grow horizontally instead of vertically, surgeries to remove them can be more complicated.
During a surgical extraction, Dr. Sheth cuts through gum, and bone if needed, to remove the problematic tooth. You may need stitches afterward.
Recovery from surgical extractions is more intense and may put you out of commission for up to a week. You should expect to:
If you’re planning an upcoming surgical extraction, stock your fridge and pantry with soft foods so everything is ready to go once you return home. Scrambled eggs, yogurt, overnight oatmeal, soups, and mashed potatoes are easy-to-eat foods that won’t hurt your gums.
If you’re feeling nervous about your extraction, don’t hesitate to talk to us. Dental anxiety is very common, and we’re more than happy to help ease your concerns and worries. Sometimes just learning more about the process and focusing on the benefits of a procedure can address some of the anxiety.
In addition to taking advantage of sedation dentistry during your extraction, these other strategies can help you manage anxiety:
Tooth extractions can trigger nervous feelings, but you’re never alone at Oasis Family Dental. If you have concerns about extractions, call our Maywood office today.
