The prospect of oral surgery, for most people, can be scary. Dental anxiety is worrying enough, and when surgery is thrown in, you can be overwhelmed. Nonetheless, the procedures including apicoectomy, tooth extraction, dental implants, bone grafting, and corrective jaw surgery, to mention a few, are routinely done by oral surgeons. The best Monterey, CA oral surgery procedures are safe and effective in managing dental concerns. In most instances, it is only done when other treatment options fail, or the issue cannot be addressed through other dentistry approaches.
Tooth extraction process
Has your dentist recommended tooth extraction? Following the impact and visibility, tooth extraction can be simple or require a surgical approach. A simple extraction only uses a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. This ensures you don’t feel pain during the extraction. You will experience pressure as the dentist uses an elevator to loosen the tooth and remove it with forceps.
Surgical tooth extraction mainly uses both local and intravenous anesthesia. This keeps you calm and relaxed. Following the situation, you might also have to be put under. The oral surgeon can use general anesthesia, meaning you will be unconscious during the surgical tooth extraction procedure. During the procedure, the surgeon cuts into your gum. They may have to cut the tooth or the bone around it before extraction.
When tooth extraction is necessary
Your dentist could recommend tooth extraction in cases including:
- Trauma/injury
- Crowded mouth
- Decay or infection that has gone deep into your tooth
- Wisdom teeth removal
- Extract baby teeth that don’t fall out
- During orthodontic treatment, to make room
Before tooth extraction, your dentist will consider your medical history. While safe, tooth extraction could expose you to certain risks following your situation. For instance, you could be at higher risk of infection, and following your medical history, the dentist can prescribe antibiotics before and after extractions to avoid such concerns.
Let your dentist know about any active prescriptions and supplements you are taking to avoid more risks and complications. The conditions that the oral surgeon needs to know before tooth extraction include an impaired immune system, history of bacterial endocarditis, congenital heart defect, and liver disease, to mention a few.
After extraction, follow the oral surgeon’s recommendation to facilitate a fast and smooth recovery. This includes:
- Taking painkillers
- Avoiding extraction site when brushing and flossing
- Not pitting forcefully after extraction to avoid dislodging the clot in the socket
- Eat soft food, to mention a few
Following the extraction, you might experience some side effects that don’t warrant any worry. You can experience tenderness in the area, but only for a few days. You should call the dentist if:
- Bleeding does not stop after 12 hours
- Experience chest pains or shortness of breath
- Have severe chills and fever (signs of infection)
- Vomiting and/or nausea
- Pus or drainage
Tooth extraction might be necessary, and with the right preparations and follow-ups, it is a safe oral procedure. It is uncomplicated and goes well if you follow the dentist’s directions before and after the extractions. Do not hesitate to call or visit Perio & Implant Centers of Monterey Bay today for all your dental care concerns.
