Tooth Removal Explained

Tooth removal explained with the best dentist in Albuquerque

No one likes the idea of tooth removal. Unfortunately, things happen in life including accidents, disease, and more that force us into the dentist to have broken or damaged teeth repaired or removed and replaced with cosmetic options. In this article, our goal is to explain tooth removal in simple to understand language as well as provide some tips on what to do to help post treatment.

If you have a damaged tooth (or teeth), either by accident or decay, Dr. Abeyta will do everything possible to fix it with a filling, crown, or other treatment. Sometimes, the damage cannot be repaired and the tooth must be removed from its socket in the bone — It is not as bad as that sounds!

There are several types and methods of extraction.

• Simple extraction is where a tooth that can be seen in the mouth is pulled. In the simplest terms Dr. Abeyta would (after proper anesthesia of course) loosen the tooth with an instrument, then remove the tooth from its position in the mouth. The tool used to loosen is called an ‘elevator’ and forceps are used for the extraction.
•  A surgical extraction is used to remove a tooth or teeth that are broken below the gum line (unseen) or have not erupted in the mouth. This requires an oral surgeon who will make a small incision into your gum to surgically remove the broken tooth or impacted wisdom tooth.

Now that you have had tooth removal explained (and probably do not want to ever go near one!) please understand that this sounds much, much worse than it actually is. However, even though the operation itself is relatively harmless, the following several days might require some follow-up care.

Here are a few tips to help minimize your discomfort and speed recovery:

• Ice packs. Using ice packs on your face will help reduce swelling. Alternate ice packs 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off to keep swelling down.
• Watch what you eat. Your mouth will need to only see soft and cool foods for a few days. Stock up on Jello and ice cream!
• Flush with warm salt water. Beginning the day following your surgery, swish your mouth with warm salt water. Mix one-half teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm (not hot!) water.
• Be gentle. Refrain from smoking (might be a good time to quit!). Do not use a straw and try not to spit after surgery as these actions have the possibility of loosening and removing the blood clot from the hole where the tooth was which will cause unnecessary bleeding.

So now that you know more about tooth removal, you should take every effort to maintain the teeth you have by proper brushing and flossing, regular dentist visits, and making sure you stay away from accidents as much as possible!

We accomplish all of our procedures with a minimum of discomfort, in a relaxing atmosphere. We invite you and your family to visit our practice, and learn more about the ways your smile can benefit from our office. Dr. Abeyta Operates a Holistic Dental Practice – Learn More HERE