A dental extraction is the process that removes a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. 

Why Is a Dental Extraction Needed?

• A dental extraction is needed when a tooth is severely damaged and cannot be repaired or restored. It also prevents infection from spreading to other parts of the mouth.
• A dental extraction may also be needed when a tooth is crowding other teeth.
• Sometimes, the patient needs to have the tooth pulled due to severe decay or infection.
• Sometimes, the tooth needs to be pulled to facilitate orthodontic treatment.
• In other cases, the teeth have become impacted and are not growing in properly. In this case, the dentist in Portland OR may extract the tooth in order to allow the rest of the teeth to grow properly.

What Types of Dental Extractions Are Available?

There are a few types of dental extractions that can be performed to address a number of dental issues.

1. Surgical extraction:A surgical extraction may be required when a tooth is damaged, broken at the gum line, or otherwise unable to be removed by other methods. Surgical extractions are performed under anesthesia.
2. Simple extraction:A simple extraction can be performed on a tooth that is visible and easy to reach in the mouth. 

How Are Dental Extractions Done?

Today’s dental extractions are much less painful than those done in the past, thanks to the development of anesthetics and sedation dentistry. During dental extractions, the dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic and pull out the tooth using dental instruments.

What Happens After Dental Extraction?

After your extraction, it’s important for your blood to clot to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. For this to happen, you’ll need to bite on a gauze pad for 45 minutes. If the bleeding or oozing persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 45 minutes. You may have to do this several times.

After the dental extraction, your dentist or oral surgeon will likely recommend some over-the-counter or prescription medications to help relieve pain, prevent infection, and facilitate the healing process. Immediately after dental extraction, you may experience some pain but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs. You should avoid hot foods, hot drinks, and alcoholic beverages to minimize pain.

It is important that the clot is not disturbed or dislodged. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on a straw, smoke, or spit for 24 hours. These actions will dislodge or dissolve the clot and retard the healing process. Limit yourself to liquids or soft foods on the day of surgery. You can eat anything soft by chewing away from the extraction site.

To learn more about the dental services at Pacific Woods Dental, call 503-292-5483, and schedule an appointment now!