At Lakeside Dental in Folsom, preserving your natural teeth is our top priority. When a tooth suffers severe damage, however, extraction may be the only solution.
When is Tooth Extraction Needed?
Removing a tooth may be the best option in cases such as:
- Severe decay or trauma.
- Impacted wisdom teeth that will damage other teeth before erupting.
- Any primary teeth that block permanent teeth.
- Significant overcrowding before orthodontic treatment.
- Infection risk due to medical treatments like organ transplants or chemotherapy.
Though extraction is a routine procedure, it still qualifies as minor oral surgery. Understanding the process helps ensure a smooth experience.
Preparing for Extraction
Before the procedure, x-rays determine the tooth’s position, root structure, and surrounding bone condition. Our dentist reviews your medical history and helps you decide on the best anesthesia option. Some patients are fine with local anesthesia, while others prefer oral conscious sedation. General anesthesia is needed in rare situations. Also, antibiotics may be prescribed as a precaution.
On the day of the procedure, we recommend the following:
- Wear short sleeves for easy intravenous access if heavy sedation is needed.
- Avoid food or drinks for at least six hours before surgery.
- Inform your doctor if you recently had a fever, cold, or cough.
- Do not smoke, as it increases the risk of dry socket, a painful post-surgery condition.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you after the procedure.
The Extraction Procedure
There are two types of extractions:
- Simple Extraction – Performed when the target tooth is visible, the dentist loosens it with an instrument called an elevator, then removes it with forceps.
- Surgical Extraction – Required when a tooth is broken, impacted, or beneath the gumline. The dentist makes a small incision in the gum removes the tooth directly from the jaw under the gumline.
The use of local anesthesia can ensure that there is no pain, only slight pressure during the extraction procedure. For more complex cases or multiple extractions, sedation of some sort may be recommended.
After the Extraction
Once the tooth is removed, our dentist places sterile gauze over the socket to control bleeding. Light pressure should be applied for 10-20 minutes. Be aware that mild discomfort is normal, especially with surgical extractions.
Before leaving, our dental team provides detailed post care instructions. Be sure to follow them closely and ask questions if anything is unclear. In the case of sedation, whoever is assisting you will likely receive these instructions and they will also be provided in written form. These are some of the instructions you can expect:
- Use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen, to help manage pain and swelling.
- Apply ice packs for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, to reduce swelling.
- Stick to soft foods for the first couple of days, then slowly reintroduce normal foods.
Most patients heal quickly, with everything returning to normal in just a few days. Stiff neck and jaw muscles are normal after some extractions. If you have any concerns, Lakeside Dental in Folsom is here to help!
