What are extractions?
A tooth extraction occurs when a tooth is removed from its socket. Dr. Allred is experienced in performing dental extractions on his patients. The goal is to keep teeth intact as much as possible, so tooth extractions are generally the last resort for treatment. If it cannot be avoided, our professional team will make sure that the procedure is as painless as possible.
There are two types of tooth extractions. They include:
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Simple extractions: These are performed with local anesthesia and on teeth that are visible in the mouth.
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Surgical extractions: These extractions are performed when the tooth hasn’t erupted fully or is stuck within the gums. An incision is used to lift up gum tissue in order to safely remove the tooth. These extractions are usually performed with general anesthesia.
When to remove wisdom teeth
There are many reasons why Dr. Allred may recommend a wisdom tooth extraction. Some of the most common reasons include:
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Impacted teeth: Wisdom teeth sometimes don’t have enough room to grow, which leads to an impacted wisdom tooth. This can result in pain and discomfort, infection, and other oral health issues. In severe situations, a cyst can develop around these unerupted teeth, which can damage nerve tissue.
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Tooth decay or gum disease exists: Because molars are located far back in the mouth, it can be hard to properly clean them, leading to issues like tooth decay, or cavities, and gum disease.
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Teeth erupt at the wrong angle: This can lead to them pressing on other teeth and shifting your natural teeth out of proper position, which can result in problems with your bite.
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Your mouth doesn’t support these teeth: Your jaw may not have room for these molars. This can lead to crowding problems, increasing the chance of impacted wisdom teeth.
The wisdom tooth removal process
At Allred Dental, Dr. Allred can perform wisdom tooth surgery at his San Marcos, CA dental office. Depending on the patient’s specific oral health situation, you may just receive local anesthesia while others may experience general anesthesia.
Once you are numb, the gum tissue at the extraction site is opened so the tooth can be extracted. If there is any bone blocking access to the tooth root, it will be removed too. If the tooth is impacted, it may be removed in multiple pieces. The site of the removed tooth is then thoroughly cleaned so that no infection will develop.
What is the recovery from tooth extraction like?
Recovery after tooth extraction can last for a few days or a few weeks, depending on the type of extraction and how many extractions you had. It’s normal to experience some bleeding at the extraction site. Swelling is normal too and can be reduced by icing the area. After day one of recovery, moist heat can be used to relieve pain and discomfort too.
A blood clot forms when a tooth is removed during extraction. This is an integral part of the healing process as they prevent excessive bleeding from occurring. It’s important to maintain this clot in place following tooth extraction. Avoid rinsing the mouth, brushing near the extraction site, and eating any foods that require chewing for at least 24 hours post-surgery.
Learn more if you need a tooth extraction in San Marcos, CA
At Allred Dental, Dr. Jeffrey Allred can provide thorough dental examinations to determine if his patients require tooth extractions. He will do whatever he can to preserve a tooth and considers extraction a last resort. When you’re experiencing tooth pain, call our professional team in San Marcos, CA to schedule an appointment for a regular dental exam today.