Tooth Extraction - Why It Is Necessary

While we always try to save a tooth, it is sometimes necessary to remove one if it has irreparable damage, severe decay or overcrowding. In some cases, a tooth extraction can also help prepare the mouth for orthodontic treatment.

Tooth extraction is a common oral surgery. It is typically quick and painless. However, dietary changes may be needed after the procedure.
Preparation

In some cases, tooth extraction Carmel IN becomes necessary to resolve dental issues like severe decay, advanced periodontal disease, or overcrowding. In other cases, we may recommend it as preparation for orthodontic treatment to create space and align the remaining teeth.
Before we begin the procedure, we’ll numb the area with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. We may also prescribe antibiotics before the surgery to prevent infection at the site.

Once the site is numb, we’ll use specialized tools to loosen and break apart the tooth before pulling it out. You’ll feel some pressure during the removal process, but it shouldn’t be painful. A patch of gauze will be placed in the socket to stop bleeding and should be changed often. It’s important not to irritate the area by rinsing, using straws, smoking, blowing your nose or spitting. This can cause the blood clot to dislodge and prolong healing. Rest at home and if you need to, take pain medication as directed.

Anesthesia

When a tooth breaks or decays too much to repair, removing it is the only way to prevent complications and protect your oral health. However, tooth extraction Carmel IN is a procedure that can cause pain and discomfort during recovery.

We first administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around your tooth and jaw bone. You may feel some pressure from the tool we use to rock the tooth back and forth to widen its socket, but this should not be painful. If it is, let us know immediately and we will adjust our technique.

We offer several types of sedation to keep you calm and comfortable during your appointment. Whether you prefer to use nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, IV sedation or general anesthesia, we have options that are right for you. We strive to make all our patients feel at ease from check-in to checkout.

Surgery

Many teeth can be saved by filling or crowns, but severe decay, overcrowding, and other dental issues may require tooth extraction. Sometimes a damaged tooth extraction Carmel IN is beyond repair, and extraction is the best option to prevent complications like gum disease or infection that can spread throughout the mouth and body.

During tooth extraction, we numb the area around your tooth, jaw bone, and gums with local anesthesia. You may feel pressure during the removal process, but you will not experience pain because the anesthetic blocks the nerves that transmit pressure signals to the brain.

We use specialized tools to loosen your tooth from its socket and remove it. We also may need to break up impacted or broken teeth that cannot be removed easily. Afterward, we will place a blood-clot-forming suture in the wound. To avoid dislodging this clot, do not use straws or vigorously rinse or gargle. You should also refrain from smoking to promote faster healing.

Recovery

The recovery process after a tooth extraction Carmel IN can vary, but patients should try to follow the doctor’s instructions as closely as possible. The most important step is to maintain a blood clot in the empty socket, which can prevent complications like dry socket. This means avoiding activities that may dislodge the clot or increase blood pressure, such as vigorous rinsing, using straws, spitting, or smoking.

A patient can also control pain with over-the-counter or prescribed medication. A cold compress can help reduce swelling and inflammation, as well. Finally, patients should stick with soft foods that do not require much chewing for the first 24 hours.

If a patient experiences severe pain, prolonged bleeding, or does not feel that the site is healing properly, they should call us to schedule a follow-up appointment. We can help them get back on track toward a healthy, confident smile.