Our permanent teeth are made to last throughout our lives, but sometimes they have to be extracted for the health of your smile. Reasons that patients may need a tooth extraction vary, and include decayed teeth, infected teeth, and teeth that have been damaged beyond repair.
What to Expect during Tooth Extraction
When you arrive for your appointment to have a tooth extracted, the first thing Dr. Crawford will do is apply local anesthetic. This will remove the pain from the procedure while maximizing comfort. Once your mouth is numb, the extraction process can begin.
Will there be pain during the tooth extraction?
Pain shouldn’t be an issue during the tooth extraction, but there will be a lot of pressure as Dr. Crawford rocks the tooth back and forth trying to loosen and remove it. If this technique doesn’t work, then he may need to cut the tooth and remove one section at a time.
What Happens After the Extraction?
To curtail bleeding, the patient will bite down on a gauze pad for the first 30 minutes upon leaving our Lansing office. The goal of this is to form a blood clot. Note that once this blood clot forms, it’s extremely fragile, so avoid vigorous rinsing, sucking on straws, or drinking alcohol. Even exercise should be limited during this time since the socket in your mouth is healing.
Mild pain and swelling may be experienced during these next couple days. During this first 48 hour period is when your prescribed medication will be the most helpful. Holding an ice pack on the swollen area can also help greatly. In the event that pain gets more severe than expected during this time, feel free to call us at 517-484-0329 and we’ll discuss your options.
Visit Our Office in Lansing, Michigan for Tooth Extractions
The ideal goal of dentistry is to preserve healthy teeth, but there are times when a tooth must be extracted. At Implant Dentistry of Greater Lansing, Dr. Crawford and his team emphasize the importance of comfort for their patients. At our office, we will ensure that you stay as comfortable as possible throughout the extraction process. Contact us today!