Tooth Extraction West Hartford, CT No one wants to hear that any of their teeth have to be pulled out.However, this may be the only option available and necessary to ensure good oral health. Any dentist will strive to save a tooth, but there are situations where this cannot be achieved and a tooth has to be removed. A damaged tooth may be restored using dental fillings, root canal therapy, crowns, inlays, onlays, or other conservative treatments. However, when these treatments and procedures cannot do the trick in repairing and saving a tooth, our dentist is left with one option - removing the tooth. Extensive decay, along with other forms of damage, may leave a tooth beyond repair, necessitating extraction and subsequent replacement options, such as dental implants or bridges. Why Are Tooth Extractions Necessary?There are many situations when tooth extraction is considered necessary. If, for instance, you have been involved in an accident, and require immediate dental work done, tooth removal may be necessary. Also, if an infection has widely spread such that it threatens the survival of the other teeth, then you should have the infected tooth extracted. When wisdom teeth are impacted, the most appropriate way to prevent complications is to remove the teeth. An overcrowded mouth may also require one or several teeth to be removed to create space for the other teeth to grow straight. In some cases, a baby tooth may need to be extracted to allow an adult tooth to emerge properly, especially when preparing for orthodontic treatment. If you are scheduled to wear braces to straighten your bite, and overcrowding is presenting challenges, you can have a single tooth or more removed so that the others can effectively straighten via the action of the braces. Severe gum disease can also necessitate tooth extraction when other treatment options fail or when teeth become too damaged. Tooth decay is another common reason for needing a tooth extracted.  Tooth Extraction ProcedureThere are two ways an extraction can be done and it depends on whether a tooth is visible or is buried under the gums. A visible tooth that is damaged beyond repair and needs extraction will need a simple extraction procedure. This procedure involves administering a numbing agent and loosening the tooth before pulling it out. If a tooth is impacted or underneath the gumline, it requires our dentist to cut through the gums. This is known as the surgical extraction process. The dentist cuts open the gum tissue surrounding the tooth to fully access it. Sometimes, other bone or tissue is cut away so that the dentist gains full access to the specific tooth and pulls it out. At other times, you may find that a tooth is pulled out piece by piece. Once removed, our dentist cleans the area and replaces the gum flap. We place sutures and treat the site with gauze. As you can see, surgical removal of a tooth is a more complicated procedure. It is important to check with your dental insurance provider to understand the extent of your coverage for tooth extraction procedures, as coverage can vary based on the complexity of the procedure. What to Expect During the ProcedureWhen you come in for a tooth extraction, it’s natural to feel a bit anxious. However, knowing what to expect can help ease your mind. Our dentist will start by thoroughly examining your mouth to determine the best approach for the extraction. This initial step is crucial to ensure the procedure goes smoothly. To minimize any tooth pain, a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the area around the tooth. This ensures you remain comfortable throughout the extraction procedure. If the tooth is impacted or requires a surgical extraction, a small incision in the gum tissue may be necessary to access the tooth. This is a common practice in dental extractions, especially for wisdom teeth or teeth that are not easily accessible. Once the tooth is removed, our dentist will clean the socket to prevent infection and apply gauze to control any bleeding. In some cases, stitches may be needed to close the incision site, aiding in the healing process. Before you leave, you will receive detailed instructions on how to care for the extraction site and manage any discomfort during the healing process. This guidance is essential to ensure a smooth recovery and to prevent complications.  What to Eat After Tooth ExtractionAfter undergoing a tooth extraction, it's essential to focus on consuming foods that are gentle on your mouth and promote healing. Initially, you should stick to a diet of soft foods and liquids to avoid irritating the extraction site. Smoothies, soups, and broths are excellent choices as they provide nourishment without requiring much chewing. Applesauce, yogurt, and mashed potatoes can also be included in your meals for added variety. As you progress in your recovery, you can gradually reintroduce more solid foods into your diet. However, it's crucial to avoid crunchy, spicy, or acidic foods that might irritate the extraction area. Foods like scrambled eggs, oatmeal, and soft pasta can be added as you continue to heal. Remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, but avoid using straws, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing. Following these dietary guidelines will help ensure a smooth recovery and minimize discomfort after your tooth extraction. Tooth Extraction in West HartfordNeed a tooth extraction? Visit our office in West Hartford. Consult with our team at Elmwood Dental for more information about our tooth extraction procedures. Call us today at (833) 432-1457 to schedule your appointment! |
Contact Information1132 New Britain Ave West Hartford, CT 06110-2421 (833) 432-1457 frontdesk@elmwooddentalllc.com Follow UsClick here to schedule your cleaning |