Tooth Extractions in Poway
Tooth Extractions in Poway
What is a Tooth Extraction?
Dental extractions are occasionally required due to severe decay, trauma, or infection. Essentially, a tooth extraction is a dental procedure/surgery during which your tooth is completely removed from its socket (it is also referred to as having a tooth ‘pulled.’)
It might sound intimidating, but tooth extraction surgery is incredibly common for a variety of reasons, including:
- Dental cavities
- Severe gum disease
- Dental infections
- Trauma or injury to the tooth or surrounding bone
- Wisdom teeth complications
- Preparation for dental prosthesis
- Preparation for dental braces
The Tooth Extraction Process
- Before starting the extraction process, your dentist will take an X-ray of the tooth.
- Then, once the local anesthetic has numbed the area (with the sedation of your choice), the extraction will begin. The dentist may opt to remove the tooth in several places if decay or infection is severe.
- Once your tooth is removed, your dentist will clean and disinfect the socket to avoid infection. In some cases, they may also place a dental bone graft right away, which helps prevent bone loss in your jaw. Stitches or additional procedures to control the bleeding may be necessary.
Oral Health Advantages of Extraction
When done correctly and in the right situations, tooth extraction can provide a number of advantages. In the case of infection or gum disease, it can reduce harmful bacteria that would otherwise damage your teeth and gums.
If left untreated, a decayed or damaged tooth can worsen and eventually cause other problems for nearby teeth.
Removing the affected tooth might be the best chance to improve your smile and overall dental health, especially if you are already in considerable pain and your dentist has reviewed all other options.
Dental extraction can ease the pain almost immediately, especially if the tooth was severely broken or infected.
What To Expect During Tooth Extraction Recovery
Once the tooth extraction procedure is complete, your dentist will place a piece of gauze over the extraction site and ask you to bite with firm, steady pressure. This will help to slow bleeding so a blood clot can form, kickstarting the recovery process.
Gauze Cleaning
The most important thing is to keep the gauze clean and dry. You should not need to use it for more than 24 hours. Gauze should be changed every 12-24 hours depending on how much bleeding you have. You should also change the gauze if it becomes soiled or wet. You may continue to have light bleeding throughout the first 24 hours.
Eating Soft Food
The first meal after tooth extraction should be soft and cold. Avoid hard or chewy foods that can irritate the gums or cause pain. Some people may be willing to eat hard foods if they are hungry, but this is not recommended. Eating a light meal can help with recovery and healing.
Tooth Aftercare
Importance of Dental Implants After a Tooth Extraction
After a tooth extraction, there are many ways to replace the tooth – from wearing a retainer with a tooth (or teeth) on it to getting a fixed bridge or dental implants, which look and feel like natural teeth. With dental implant restoration from Poway Perio, you can replace missing teeth with permanent results.
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a permanent base for fixed, replacement teeth. Compared to dentures, bridges, and crowns, dental implants are a popular and effective long-term solution for people who suffer from missing teeth, failing teeth, or chronic dental problems.
Because they fit, feel, and function like natural teeth, dental implants are quickly becoming the new standard in tooth replacement.
He does this by utilizing cutting-edge techniques that preserve the shape of your jaw bone and the gum tissue that lies over it, enabling you to recover quickly and with little discomfort.
If you’re ready to learn more, call 858.679.0142 or book a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About
Tooth Extractions
When is tooth extraction recommended?
Typically, we recommend tooth extraction for:
- Severe overcrowding
- Dental cavities
- Gum disease
- Dental infections
- Trauma or injury to the tooth or surrounding bone
- Wisdom teeth complications
- Preparation for dental prosthesis
- Preparation for dental braces
What are the benefits of tooth extraction?
- Pain relief
- Infection prevention
- Space for reconstruction and dental implants
- Improve overall dental health
- Reduce harmful bacteria
Does insurance cover tooth extraction?
Fortunately, most dental insurance policies do cover tooth extraction under certain circumstances – but this is based on the type of the policy that you have.
If your insurance policy does not cover the procedure, you can still file a claim in an attempt to get some sort of reimbursement.
What can I expect after the procedure?
Ready to learn more & book a consultation?
Here at Poway Perio, led by San Diego Periodontist Dr. Alireza Khansari MSD, we are happy to help you fight periodontal disease and get your teeth and gums back to good health. If you have more questions or would like to book a consultation, we’re happy to discuss your situation.
Or, give us a call at 858.679.0142
