Dr. Nichols and Dr. Hill want to preserve your natural teeth and keep them healthy for as long as possible, however, there are times when it is in your best interest (or your child’s) to have a tooth extracted.  A few examples might be when a damaged or decayed tooth is beyond repair, or when other teeth have not fallen out which blocks new teeth from coming in.  In orthodontic treatments, teeth are sometimes extracted to open up space so that the remaining teeth can be aligned properly.  Or, an impacted wisdom tooth may become painful due to infection or incomplete eruption and require extraction

The Process of Extraction

Starting with an x-ray, the direction and position of the tooth roots and the condition of the surrounding bone is assessed.  Typically, using local anesthesia, we numb the tooth to be removed and surrounding bone and tissue. At Penfield Family Dentistry we also offer conscious sedation such as nitrous oxide. During the process of extraction, you will feel pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves in your mouth.  Dr. Nichols and/or Dr. Hill will use a tool to grasp the tooth and firmly rock the tooth in its socket so that the tooth can be removed.

Following The Extraction

After the tooth extraction, it essential to stop the bleeding and wait for a blood clot to form. Using a gauze pad patients will be instructed to bite for 30 – 45 minutes to apply direct pressure to the area, and, if bleeding persists, repeat biting on the gauze pad for another 30 minutes.

For the next 72 hours, patients will want to be careful – maintaining a light diet with no vigorous friction in the affected area. If you have any swelling, an icepack wrapped in a towel can be applied, and a non-aspirin type of medication can be taken to reduce inflammation. After 24 hours, rinse the mouth gently using 1/4 teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water.