While your dentist will likely try to keep your natural teeth intact for as long as possible, extraction is sometimes necessary for your dental and overall health. Tooth extraction often comes with some anxiety, but the procedure is relatively simple and very smooth. You may wonder, is tooth extraction oral surgery? Depending on the type of procedure it can be referred to as a simple extraction or a surgical extraction. Below you will find more information on the difference between the two.
Is Tooth Extraction Oral Surgery?
There are two types of tooth extractions: simple and surgical. A simple extraction involves local anesthetic. The area around the tooth that will be extracted is numbed so you don’t feel any pain. During a simple extraction, the dentist uses an elevator tool to loosen your tooth. Then they pull out the tooth with forceps.
A surgical extraction is more invasive and involves both local and IV anesthesia. The local anesthesia is used around the area where the tooth is extracted, just like in a simple extraction. However, the IV anesthesia is used to keep you calm and relaxed during the procedure. During a surgical extraction, the surgeon will cut into your gum by creating a small incision. Depending on your unique dental situation they may need to remove bone around your tooth or cut into your tooth. Then they can extract the tooth and the incision can be closed up.
Reasons for Tooth Extraction
There are a variety of reasons why you may need a tooth extraction. It is a common dental procedure that is fast and smooth. Below are some of the most common reasons for a tooth extraction.
- Overcrowding: Sometimes your teeth may be too big to fit in your mouth, which can cause overcrowding. This is especially true when your wisdom teeth come in as sometimes not all of them can fit with your existing teeth. If you don’t get them removed they cause your other teeth to become crooked.
- Gum Disease: Sometimes gum disease can impact your teeth so bad that they require extraction. This is because gum disease can impact your gums and the socket of your teeth. This can cause your teeth to loosen and possibly need to be removed.
- Trauma: Sports, car accidents, and other types of trauma can damage your teeth. Sometimes the damage is so bad that your tooth will need to be removed.
- Tooth Decay: Severe tooth decay can lead to an infection. Once your tooth has become infected, it can cause major issues for both your dental and overall health. Infections can spread to the rest of your body and be fatal if not taken care of promptly. This is why tooth extraction is necessary when your tooth is infected.
Tooth Extraction Recovery
The recovery period after a tooth extraction shouldn’t last more than a few days. Most people are back to their daily routine within one week. However, there are helpful ways to speed up the recovery process.
- Take your prescribed medications as directed to help reduce any pain and the risk of infection.
- Use an ice pack to help with inflammation. Place a cold compact on your cheek for no longer than 10 minutes each time until you notice your swelling has gone down.
- Avoid solid foods and drinking through a straw for at least the first 24 hours. It may be best to do this for the first few days if you have a lot of pain and swelling.
- Keep your head up as much as possible. Use pillows to prop yourself up while you are sleeping.
- Focus on resting for at least the first 24 hours. This can help reduce your symptoms and speed up the healing process.
Tooth Extraction in Yucaipa
If you need a tooth extraction in Yucaipa, contact Shodhan Dentistry of Yucaipa. They are skilled in the procedure and can provide you with a variety of tooth replacement options. Contact the top location for cosmetic dentistry in Yucaipa and set up an appointment today.