Tooth Extractions

Tooth Extractions Chapel Hill NC

For any variety of reasons, you and Dr. Lehmann may decide that you require tooth extraction. Some teeth require extraction due to severe decay, while others can have extensive periodontal disease or be damaged in a way that requires extraction due to irreparable damage. In order to prepare for orthodontic treatment or because they are malpositioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), other teeth might also need to be removed.

A single missing tooth can result in issues with your ability to chew, issues with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, all of which can negatively affect your oral health.

In most situations, Dr. Lehmann will go over alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth in order to avoid these issues.

The Extraction Process

In order to keep you entirely comfortable during the extraction, the doctor will need to anesthetize the area. You can experience some little pressure while the extraction is being done. Please let us know right away if you experience any discomfort at any point during the extraction.

Sectioning a Tooth

Some teeth must be divided. This is a relatively typical treatment used when a tooth is too tightly fixed in its socket or the root is too bent to allow for removal. The tooth is simply divided into sections by the doctor, who then extracts each section separately.

After Tooth Extraction

A blood clot must form after tooth extraction in order to stop the bleeding and start the healing process. Bite on a gauze pad for the first 30 to 45 minutes following the appointment. Place a second gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes if the bleeding or seeping doesn’t stop.

The blood clot should not be disturbed or moved once it has formed. For 72 hours, avoid brushing teeth very adjacent to the extraction site, rinsing forcefully, sucking on straws, smoking, drinking alcohol, and using mouthwash. These actions could disintegrate or dislodge the clot, which would slow the healing process. For the next 24 hours, avoid doing any strenuous exercise because it raises blood pressure and could lead to further bleeding at the extraction site.

You can feel some soreness and endure some swelling following the tooth extraction. To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack to the affected area. Utilize painkillers as directed. After 48 hours, the swelling normally starts to go down.

Take painkillers as prescribed. If the drug doesn’t seem to be working, contact our office. Even if the signs and symptoms of illness have subsided, keep taking antibiotics for the specified amount of time if they have been recommended. On the day of the extraction, eat healthy, soft food and drink lots of water. As soon as you feel at ease, you can resume eating normally.

After 24 hours, it’s crucial to get back to your regular dental routine. At least once a day tooth brushing and flossing should be part of this. This will hasten the healing process and keep your tongue clean and fresh.

You should feel fine after a few days and be able to carry on with your regular activities. Call our office right away if you experience substantial bleeding, excruciating pain, prolonged swelling lasting two to three days, or a pharmaceutical response.