Tooth Extraction Information from Primary Dental Care

Tooth extraction services are one of the many dental procedures that are provide at Primary Dental Care, which serves patients in Garden Grove and the surrounding areas. We offer a range of family dental services, including basic procedures such as exams, cleanings, and x-rays, and various procedures related to dental problems, which, in addition to tooth extraction, include, root canal therapy, inlay fillings, and dentures.

Why a Tooth is Removed

There are various reasons as to why one would have a tooth removed or extracted. Tooth extraction involves taking the entire tooth out from the socket. This leaves an open space where the tooth once stood.

A tooth may be removed because it is so badly damaged from a mishap or an infection that it cannot be saved, or, as it grows in, there is not enough room for it in your jaw, or because it is less expensive to remove rather than fix the tooth. Whatever the case may be, there is a specific process followed in tooth extraction that is designed to ensure that the procedure is successful.

Prior to Extraction

Before you undergo a tooth extraction at Primary Dental Care, your dentist will need to know some important information regarding your health. An extraction is a medical procedure, and that means that the dentist must be current on any and all health issues you may be experiencing or have dealt with in the past.

 

Thus, you’ll be asked to fill out a healthcare form documenting any medications you are presently taking or have previously taken; any health conditions, such a diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart or valve problems; or medical procedures undergone, such as joint replacement. This information is necessary in order to ensure your safety during and after the tooth extraction.Tooth Extraction Process

At Primary Dental Care, we are always attentive to a patient’s comfort when they are undergoing any procedure or treatment. Those who are involved in a tooth extraction are given a local anesthetic in order to numb the area. They may also be provided with nitrous oxide gas in order to help ensure that they are comfortable during the procedure.

Once the area is adequately anesthetized, the dentist will use a tool called an elevator to loosen the tooth, getting it to wiggle in its socket. After the tooth is loosened, the extraction is done with a pair of forceps. A surgical hand piece may be used to facilitate the tooth extraction.

Possible Complications

Complications associated with tooth extraction tend to be fairly easy to offset or control. These include infection, tenderness, and bleeding. Other possible complications, which are rare, include a loosening of adjacent crowns or fillings, entry into the sinus area by a tooth in the upper jaw, jaw fracture, or ongoing jaw numbness. Dry socket may also develop. Dry socket is a painful condition that can occur after an extraction. It involves the socket in which the tooth had been anchored. After a tooth is pulled, a blood clot forms in the top of the socket. This clot protects the socket, nerve, and jawbone. However, sometimes the protective clot becomes dislodged, exposing the tender and vulnerable area to air, food, and liquids. The result can be an exceptionally painful infection, lasting from five to six days. Those who experience dry socket must return to their dentist to have the area cleaned and will usually take painkillers and antibiotics to alleviate the condition. You Primary Dental Care practitioner will ensure that after you undergo a tooth extraction that you will be given all of the information you require to monitor the site of the procedure and to properly ensure its wellbeing.

Answering Your Questions

At Primary Dental Care, which serves those in the Garden Grove, California, area, we are completely dedicated to your dental health. Contact us at 714-537-5700 for information related to tooth extraction and any other dental treatments or procedures. We will be glad to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.