EXTRACTIONS

EXTRACTIONS Q&A;

Thanks to anesthesia and well-coordinated aftercare, tooth extractions are tolerable and usually free of complications. Inspira Advanced Dentistry, in Campbell, California, is a leading provider of safe and simple surgical extractions. Call Inspira Advanced Dentistry today or request an appointment online to find out if you need an extraction or should get one as a preventive measure.

What are extractions?

An extraction is a simple in-office procedure to remove a tooth from your mouth. The tooth itself could be causing problems, or your teeth might be crowded, causing the need for an extraction. The team at Inspira Advanced Dentistry does extractions safely and sticks with you while you make a full recovery.

In most cases, extractions are straightforward and don’t require surgery. Your dentist simply lifts the tooth directly out of its socket using forceps and an elevator. They inject a local anesthetic so that you don’t feel pain during the extraction.

Surgical extractions are sometimes necessary if a tooth is broken or hasn’t erupted from the gums (impacted). To remove an impacted or broken tooth, the team at Inspira Advanced Dentistry makes an incision in the gums to get at the tooth or its remaining portion. They sometimes need to break the tooth and remove it piece by piece.

Why would I need extractions?

Tooth extractions are usually not the first choice. But getting one can preserve your oral health or make way for orthodontic adjustments that can remake your smile. The team at Inspira Advanced Dentistry extracts teeth to:

• Treat tooth crowding
• Prevent or treat impacted teeth or abscesses
• Treat extensive tooth decay
• Create room for tooth shifting during orthodontic treatment

Your wisdom teeth, the four molars at the very back of your mouth, often require extraction. Some people choose to have these teeth pulled to prevent complications like crowding or infections. You can have them extracted before or after they erupt. Wisdom teeth are often impacted because they don’t have enough room to come in.

How can I prevent complications after extractions?

Following your dentist’s instructions closely is key to avoiding complications like dry socket and infections after extractions. The Inspira Advanced Dentistry team makes sure that you fully understand what you need to do to care for your mouth in the days and weeks after your procedure.

After your extraction, you must:

• Bite down on dry, sterile gauze for 30-45 minutes while a clot forms
• Avoid smoking
• Avoid vigorous rinsing with mouthwash or water
• Avoid using a straw
• Consume no solid food until the anesthesia wears off
• Eat only soft foods for the first few days
• Brush around the extraction area until it heals

If you choose to take pain-relievers after an extraction, take only the medication that your dentist recommends and use it according to their instructions. The pain and swelling should go down within a few days. Any lingering discomfort shouldn’t last for more than two weeks.

With careful preparation and aftercare, you can get extractions without complication. Book your consultation at Inspira Advanced Dentistry by calling the office or booking online today.