Sometimes a tooth needs to be removed for the sake of your oral health. Severely decayed teeth, impacted wisdom teeth, or a broken tooth can be difficult to repair and may need to be removed.
Prior to your extraction, we will numb the tooth, jaw bone, and gums surrounding the tooth with local anesthetic. You will feel pressure during the procedure, but not pain.
A Simple Extractions
A simple extraction is a minimally invasive dental procedure that removes a tooth from the socket in your jawbone. This can be necessary for a tooth that is decayed or broken beyond repair, to make room for orthodontic treatment or to remove an impacted wisdom tooth.
During a simple tooth extraction Knightdale NC the dentist will inject a local anesthetic to numb the tooth & surrounding area. We also offer sedation dentistry for patients that are anxious about the process.
You will feel pressure as the dentist wiggles around the tooth to widen the socket for removal, but you should not experience pain because of the anesthesia. Once the tooth is removed the dentist will pack the site with gauze to stop bleeding & possibly place a few self-dissolving stitches.
Though no one looks forward to having a tooth extracted, it is important to know that it is sometimes the best (or only) option for maintaining your oral health & preventing future complications. We will help you understand your options for replacing the missing tooth.
Surgical Extractions
Surgical dental extractions are used on teeth that are impacted or whose roots have broken off inside the jawbone, and they require more preparation than simple extractions. They are typically performed under sedation and carried out in a hospital setting. However, general dentists are also trained in this procedure.
Some surgical extractions can create a painful dry socket, which happens when the blood clot that forms at the site of surgery is lost. This can cause pain, infection and damage to surrounding teeth, nerves and the jawbone.
A dry socket can be treated with medication. It is also important to avoid smoking and sneezing, as this can dislodge the clot. A patient should also be informed of the risk of bruising, as this is common following dental extractions. A clear process should be in place for liaising with patients’ medical teams and providing them with pre-treatment instructions. This can prevent complications such as respiratory depression, which can occur when a patient takes certain medications.
Sedation Extractions
Despite technological advances, many patients still have anxiety about dental procedures. Younger children are especially prone to fear and may cry, move around, or throw tantrums during the procedure, making it difficult for dentists to perform their work. Sedation dentistry helps patients relax physically and mentally, allowing them to sit still during treatment.
Your dentist will administer sedative medication in pill form (triazolam, Halcion(r)) or liquid (midazolam oral syrup), typically about an hour before your appointment begins. This sedation will make you groggy, and you might even fall asleep. You will need a friend or family member to drive you home after the appointment, since you’ll have little to no memory of the event.
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” is another safe sedation option. Your dentist can monitor its effects and adjust dosages as needed throughout the procedure. Once the procedure is over, your dentist will give you pure oxygen to flush the sedative from your system.
Post-Operative Care
Whether your tooth extraction Knightdale NC is a simple, surgical or sedation procedure, our office has the proper training, licensing, and experience to provide you with safe anesthesia. In addition, our facilities and staff are inspected on a regular basis to ensure patient safety.
Once you are home, if you experience pain or discomfort, please take the appropriate medication as directed by your oral surgeon. Be sure to drink plenty of water or clear liquids to prevent dehydration and to avoid discoloration of your mouth.
It is important to allow a blood clot to form at the surgical site to stop bleeding and begin the healing process. Biting firmly on the gauze pad as instructed will help with this process. If heavy bleeding persists, contact our office. A tannic acid solution can be made from standard tea bags and placed over the area to encourage clotting as well. A cold compress can also be used to control swelling.
If you need a tooth extraction in Knightdale, NC, trust experienced dental professionals for gentle, efficient care. Whether due to decay, infection, or overcrowding, extractions are performed with precision and patient comfort in mind. Using advanced techniques and local anesthesia, your procedure will be quick and minimally painful. Post-extraction care is carefully explained to ensure proper healing and recovery. For safe and stress-free tooth removal in Knightdale, NC, schedule your consultation with a trusted local dentist today.