What are tooth extractions?
Tooth extractions are a common dental procedure used to remove damaged, malpositioned, impacted, or severely decaying teeth.
At Blue Palm Dentistry, Dr. Gottardi only recommends extractions as a last resort. Whenever possible, he recommends less invasive treatments like root canal therapy to preserve teeth.
How do I prepare for tooth extractions?
Before recommending tooth extractions, Dr. Gottardi conducts an oral exam and asks about your symptoms. Then, he takes a series of digital X-rays to assess the condition and position of your teeth and to determine the best course of treatment.
During your consultation, let Dr. Gottardi know about any prescription medications or nutritional supplements you regularly take. In addition, alert him to any health problems you’re living with, like diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure. Dr. Gottardi will want to make sure these and other issues are stable before moving forward.
What are the types of tooth extractions?
At Blue Palm Dentistry, Dr. Gottardi offers two types of tooth extractions:
Simple extractions
To remove teeth above your gum line, Dr. Gottardi conducts a simple extraction. First, he administers a local anesthetic to numb your gums and tooth roots. Then, he uses a tool called an elevator to carefully loosen the tooth. Finally, he removes the tooth with dental forceps.
Surgical extractions
If your affected tooth is below the gum line (impacted), Dr. Gottardi conducts a surgical extraction. First, he administers a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort. He then accesses your tooth by making a small incision along the gums. Dr. Gottardi then removes the tooth.
What is recovery like following tooth extractions?
Following tooth extractions, it’s normal to experience some swelling, bleeding, and increased sensitivity. To limit discomfort, apply a bag of ice to your cheek or take over-the-counter pain medication. For the first day or two, eat only soft foods like scrambled eggs or yogurt.
Avoid drinking from a straw as sucking can cause a painful condition called a dry socket. Continue to brush and floss as normal, but be gentle around the extraction site.
To see if you’re a candidate for extractions, make an appointment at Blue Palm Dentistry. Call the practice to speak with a member of the support team or click the online booking tool.
