Tooth Extractions | Oral Surgery | O’Fallon IL
In an ideal world, our teeth would remain healthy and strong enough to last a lifetime. Sometimes circumstances such as decay, crowding, trauma, or disease make tooth removal, or extractions, necessary.
At Lake Pointe Dental Group, Dr. Harold Bean, Dr. Richard Greiff, and our team of dedicated hygienists and assistants do all we can to preserve your smile, but we also know that extractions and minor oral surgery are sometimes needed in order to maintain your dental health.
Types of Tooth Extractions
When extractions are necessary, your Lake Pointe Dental Group dentist will perform one of two types. Simple extractions and surgical extractions are relatively routine procedures, and both Dr. Bean and Dr. Grieff are highly experienced in both.
Simple Extractions
Simple extractions are done on teeth that have not endured trauma, infection, or decay below the surface of the gums.
Surgical Extractions
When a tooth has been fractured or broken at or below the gum line, has exceptionally long or curved roots, or if it is impacted, you may undergo a surgical extraction to remove it.
Don’t be intimidated by the term “surgical”; surgical extractions are common in the United States. The primary difference is that an incision is made in the gums to create room for your dentist to completely remove the affected tooth.
Your Lake Pointe Dental Group dentist will begin by taking x-rays so that he has a clear view of what is happening below the surface of your gums. In most cases, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area surrounding the tooth. Occasionally patients will also be administered nitrous oxide in gas form to relieve nervousness or anxiety as well.
Some extractions and oral surgeries will be referred to an oral maxillofacial surgeon if the doctors deem it appropriate.
Aftercare for Extractions
There are several things you can do to reduce pain and minimize discomfort following extractions or oral surgery:
- Use gauze for about 30 minutes following your procedure. Biting down on it will help to stop bleeding.
- Do not eat or drink for two hours following the extraction.
- Avoid smoking, using straws, or forceful spitting for the first 12 hours.
- Do not brush or rinse your teeth for the first 12 hours.
- Once the bleeding subsides, hydrate frequently with lukewarm or cold liquids.
- Avoid hot liquids during the first day, and begin with soft foods and clear liquids.
- For the first three to five days following your procedure, do not brush your teeth over the surgical area. You may rinse with lukewarm salt water or mouthwash diluted with water.
- Follow any instructions provided by Lake Pointe Dental Group, including directions regarding pain medication, if applicable.
- Call Lake Pointe Dental Group at 618-360-2044 if you have excessive bleeding, or if bleeding will not subside.
The idea of having a tooth extraction may be a bit daunting, but you are in expert hands at Lake Pointe Dental Group.
Contact us by phone or email to find out how to make your smile as healthy as it can be.