Tooth Extractions in Kendall Park
Think you may be in need of a tooth extraction? Thinking of pulling it on your own? May want to re-evaluate tying the string to the door knob; ouch! Pulling your own tooth can lead to infection, broken teeth, discomfort and cost more money than seeing a dentist in the first place. If you are in or near Kendall Park and think you may need a tooth extraction, come see us at American Family Dentistry so we can properly evaluate the situation. In some cases, a crown or filling will do the job before an extraction is even necessary.
About Extractions
A tooth extraction also known as tooth pulling or dental extraction is the removal of a tooth from the socket of the bone. The process of extracting, pulling or removing a tooth can be performed for multiple reasons. Typical reasons for tooth extractions are as follows:
- Tooth decay
- Broken beyond repair
- Make room for orthodontic work
- Poorly positioned teeth (i.e. impacted teeth)
- Infection and/or Risk of Infection
- Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Tooth Extraction Procedure
Once a tooth extraction has been deemed the best course of action for you, your Kendall Park dentists will set up a date and time for your tooth extraction procedure. An antibiotic may be prescribed before or after the procedure varying on a case by case basis.
At the beginning of your procedure, your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic. Once the tooth extraction is complete a blood clot where the extraction took place should start to form and your dentist will pack the site with gauze to help stop bleeding. In some cases they may place a few stitches, many times self-dissolving, to close the area.
Caring for Your Extracted Tooth
Our doctors will give you detailed instructions on what you should expect after your tooth extraction procedure. Please remember even for the “simplest” of extractions bleeding will occur and there will be some degree of discomfort during the healing process. It is important to take any medications as prescribed and give yourself ample time to recover. Additional advice for post operative care after tooth removal:
- Avoid forcefully spitting and drinking from a straw for at least 24 hours (can lead to dry socket)
- Avoid smoking
- Place ice packet on face where swelling may occur
- Eat soft, cool foods
- Rinse with warm salt water 24 hours after procedure to keep the site clean (1/2 tsp salt in 1 cup warm water)
Dr. Kuma Kalaria, DDS
Dr. Kalaria is a graduate of New York University College of Dentistry (NYU) and has been practicing dentistry since 2009. She has a wide range of experience in providing the best family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, implant and restorative dentistry.