Tooth Removal


As much as we try to save teeth, there are some circumstances where there just isn't a better option than to remove the tooth to prevent/treat pain and infection. This can be a stressful experience for anyone.  First, patients have stress of losing a tooth and all the emotions that go with the loss.  Second, the patient has to actually get through the procedure which can cause a lot of pre-appoitment anxiety. Working at a dental urgent care, I have to perform many extractions.  If you find yourself in this position,  I hope to give you some insight to help you prepare for your appointment.

My first word of advice is easy to say but not easy to do.....DON'T PANIC!!!  Yes you here horror stories of dentist standing on peoples chests but I have had both easy and hard extractions and I have never had to climb up on someone's chest yet.  What's most important is that you find a dentist who you feel comfortable with.  This is probably the most important part.  If you find a dentist who is compassionate and understands your fears and anxiety's, then I truly believe you can get through any procedure.



Once you are in the chair you, the first step is getting you numb and comfortable.  Extractions can be performed under local anesthesia (numbing of the tooth), nitrous oxide (laughing gas), or sedation (with proper trained dentist/specialist).  No matter which route you take, the dentist should ensure that you are numb to eliminate pain during the extraction. If you are not asleep during the process, you should expect to hear some not so pleasant noises which are completely normal - some  "crunchy and cracking" sounds.  You will also feel pressure.  Depending on the size and location of the tooth, this can be anywhere from mild pressure to a more heavy pushing/pressure the dentist has to exert to remove the tooth. I find that as long as patients know that this pressure is normal, most patients do find with local anesthesia and a simple tooth extraction.  

Once the procedure is done, you should be given some gauze to bite on to keep pressure on the site.  The dentist or dental assistant will go over your post operative instructions.  Make sure if you have any questions that you don't hesitate to ask - I promise your question has been asked before and is NOT stupid.  As far as pain, well pain is very subjective but I find that most patients say that it is much more manageable than a tooth ache and do fine with their recovery.  

If you are in need of having a tooth removed and live in the Morristown area, feel free to reach out to us at Simple Dental 423-638-0692.

Dr. Grooms

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

CEREC Technology Enables One-Day Dental Restorations