Having a tooth extracted might seem like an unwanted last resort, but there are many beneficial reasons for an extraction. At Mitchell & Crosby Family Dentistry in Casa Grande, Arizona, dentists Jeffrey Mitchell, DDS, and David Crosby, DMD, and their team perform careful extractions to make room in your mouth, get rid of decay, and ease or eliminate pain. To find out if you need a tooth extraction, call Mitchell & Crosby Family Dentistry or book your visit online today.
Extractions Q & A
What are extractions?
When you get a tooth extraction, your dentist carefully removes your entire tooth and its root from your mouth. The procedure is quick and simple and is performed entirely in the office at Mitchell & Crosby Family Dentistry.
Depending on where the tooth is and the reason for its removal, you’ll receive general or local anesthesia to keep the experience comfortable and tolerable. If the tooth is broken or completely below the surface of your gums (impacted), the extraction will be more complex and will take longer.
When are extractions necessary?
Extractions are necessary or recommended in many different cases. One of the most common tooth extractions is for your wisdom teeth, which are the molars in the back of your mouth. Many people choose to get them extracted to prevent crowding or remove them before they become impacted.
You might also need a tooth extracted because of:
- Crowding
- Traumatic injuries
- Excessive decay
- Upcoming chemotherapy
In any case, an extraction is nothing to fear. As long as you take the proper steps during the preparation and recovery periods, you’ll soon feel like you never had the procedure in the first place.
How can I recover smoothly from an extraction?
It takes several days to recover following an extraction, so you’ll probably need to take a few days off from work or school. During this time, you can ensure a smooth recovery by:
- Avoiding drinking straws
- Not smoking
- Trying not to rinse your mouth vigorously
- Applying a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Using pain medications as directed
- Eating soft foods
- Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water after 24 hours
You can still brush and floss your teeth as you normally would, but be careful not to brush directly over the gap. Your dentist will give you more specific instructions based on your case.
If you experience a fever, excessive swelling, or constant and severe pain, you must call Mitchell & Crosby Family Dentistry as soon as possible.
To learn more about extractions, call Mitchell & Crosby Family Dentistry or book your appointment online today.