Extracting a tooth is serious business in Stamford, for you and for us. It’s more than just pulling teeth.
The phrase “It’s like pulling teeth” is believed to have first been used in 1835 to proclaim that the recent elections were tedious, difficult, and unpleasant.
While really pulling teeth isn’t a joyous occasion, we have tried to take unpleasantness out of the equation.
Reasons to have your tooth extracted in Stamford
Tooth extraction is often performed to reduce harmful bacteria from spreading throughout your mouth, other teeth, gums, and jaw. It can help to immediately ease and alleviate the pain that you may have been experiencing as well.
Overcrowding:
Many times extracting teeth is needed because the mouth just doesn’t have enough room. Sometimes baby teeth don’t come out when the permanent teeth come in, or there isn’t enough room for molars to come in. The extraction in this case is generally used in conjunction with some form of orthodonture or aligners.
Infection:
Tooth decay damages the pulp, the nerves, and the blood vessels that connect the tooth to the jaw. Some cases can be fixed with antibiotics or a root canal, but in severe cases extraction may be necessary to keep the infection from spreading.
Risk of Infection:
There are instances where just the risk of infection may lead to extraction. People who have immune systems that are compromised are in a high risk faction when it comes to getting an infection. Cancer, organ transplant patients, and patients with autoimmune diseases may be advised to have a tooth extracted rather than go through a root canal or filling.
Likewise, individuals with periodontal disease are also at risk of infections spreading from the tooth to the tissue and bones supporting it.
What happens next?
Once the dental staff determines extraction is the best option, x-rays will be taken to figure out the damage that has been done and check on the bone structure surrounding the tooth. Sedation options will be discussed and determined and then the procedure itself can begin.
Always make sure that the dental staff is aware of the prescription medications that you are taking. Blood thinners and other prescriptions may affect when and how the procedure takes place.
In severe cases, ones that may require facial reconstruction or corrective jaw surgery, your extraction may be scheduled as an inpatient procedure in a hospital. In most cases though you will be in the chair within the dental facility.
After the agreed-upon sedation and anesthesia, the tooth will be gently loosened to remove it from the socket. Depending on the severity of the damage, there may be small incisions made to allow this to go smoothly. The socket will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and, again, depending on the nature of the extraction, there may be a dental bone graft placed to prevent bone loss in the jaw. Last but not least, stitches will be applied to help with healing.
Gauze will be placed over the area and you will be asked to bite down. This is so that clotting can begin. Be aware that you may experience light bleeding for the next 24 to 48 hours.
Risks of tooth extraction
As with any surgical procedure, there are always some risks. The dental staff will talk to you about the slim possibilities such as post-surgical infection, dry socket, nerve injury, and perforation of the maxillary sinus. If delayed healing takes place you should contact the office immediately to ensure that your recovery is on the right track.
In many instances, you may be advised to consider getting an implant, bridge, or partial denture. This is to keep the structural integrity of your jawline, making it so that your bite and chewing ability aren’t affected by the loss of the tooth.
Recovery and Aftercare
Initial recovery should be within 72 hours after the procedure, however, full recovery before you can receive an implant or be fitted for a bridge or partial may take up to a few months.
Stock your fridge with soft foods, rice, pasta, eggs, yogurt, and applesauce, and avoid straws as they may dislodge the clots that have formed.
Keep the extraction site clean, take all medications as directed, and avoid strenuous activities
for the first 72 hours.
If you experience a fever over 100.4, or if you notice severe pain or large amounts of drainage, contact us immediately at (203) 324-7777. For us, your health and well-being is nothing like pulling teeth.