What are extractions?
Extractions may be necessary to remove one or more teeth to either preserve your oral health or accommodate a new restorative device, like a dental implant or dentures. Dental extractions at Patrick Ryan, DMD, happen in one of two ways:
Simple extractions
Simple extractions don’t require your dentist to cut into the gums around the tooth using a scalpel. Instead, your dentist uses tools to elevate the tooth and lift it out of its socket. With local anesthesia, you’re comfortable through the process.
Surgical extractions
Surgical extractions do require an incision in the gums because the tooth in question is impacted. This means it’s below the gumline and less accessible than your other teeth.
When should I consider getting extractions?
There are a number of reasons why you might need a simple or surgical extraction with Patrick Ryan, DMD, to remove a tooth.
One of the most common extractions involves wisdom teeth, the farthest-back molars in your mouth. These molars aren’t necessary for chewing or speaking, so their removal doesn’t affect the way your mouth works.
Still, you might need or choose to have them removed because of the potential for tooth crowding and shifting as they erupt.
The dentists at Patrick Ryan, DMD, can perform extractions of any teeth because of infections, a risk for infection, severe gum disease, or making room for dental implants. An extraction can also give your mouth more space for orthodontic alignment with braces or clear aligners.
What is the aftercare for an extraction?
Diligent aftercare is crucial to your healing after a tooth extraction, whether it’s simple or surgical. Patrick Ryan, DMD, gives you instructions for either type that you should follow closely to the best of your ability.
Following these instructions results in quick healing with minimal chance of a complication like dry socket or an abscess, which prolongs your time in the dental office:
- Avoid smoking for at least 48 hours
- Don’t drink through straws
- Rinse the extraction area to clean it rather than brushing it directly
- Eat only soft or liquid foods as you heal
- Use prescribed and over-the-counter medications only as directed
- Use ice or a cold pack for the swelling
- Use gauze to control bleeding for 30-45 minutes at a time, but don’t sleep with it in
- Call the office for any uncontrollable bleeding
If you have any questions or concerns as you go through the healing phase after an extraction, you can call Patrick Ryan, DMD, to speak with a team member. You might need to come in again later following a surgical extraction to remove the stitches if they don’t dissolve on their own.
Call Patrick Ryan, DMD, or book a visit online to inquire about safe and simple and surgical extractions today.
