The term tooth extraction refers to the procedure in which an entire tooth is removed from the mouth. Tooth extractions are performed in dental clinics by dental surgeons and dentists. An individual may need a tooth extracted for a variety of reasons, including overcrowding or tooth decay.
A Tooth Extraction at Rock Doc Dentistry in Bakersfield, California
1. Anesthetic
The first thing that your Rock Doc Dentist will do is inject lidocaine, which is a strong medication that anesthetizes (numbs) the tooth, gum tissue (aka gingival tissue) and bone, in the area surrounding the tooth being extracted.
2. Ensuring the Patient is Numb
Once the lidocaine is injected, it begins working within 90 seconds. Your dentist checks to make sure that you are getting numb by using dental instruments to press on the gingival tissue around the tooth that is being extracted. Another test that your dentist might use involves holding the tooth and firmly pushing it from side to side. This test is done to make sure that the pressure does not cause you to experience any pain.
3. Loosening the Tooth
As your dentist rocks the tooth back and forth, its socket expands and the ligament holding the tooth in place separates. Socket expansion is possible because the bone tissue encasing the roots of the teeth is somewhat spongy. As the dentist rocks the tooth back and forth hitting the walls of the socket, the bone compresses. Once the socket is large enough and the ligament has torn away, your dentist can easily remove the tooth.
4. Removing the Tooth
As your tooth is removed, you should expect to feel pressure; however, you should not experience any sharp pain. If necessary, more lidocaine can always be injected to ensure you remain comfortable during your procedure.
5. Using Pressure to Stop the Bleeding
Your Rock Doc Dentist will place gauze over the empty socket and ask you to bite down on it. This pressure helps stop the bleeding.
6. Heading Home
Before leaving, you will receive information about properly caring for your mouth: To prevent complications, please follow all the recommendations from your Rock Doc Dentist.
What to Expect After Surgery
You will experience some pain; however, you can use cold compresses and pain medication to address this symptom. The most important factor is to avoid using any type of straw and do not smoke until you are healed. Any action that requires you to ‘suck in’ must be avoided; otherwise, you could disrupt the clot that is forming over the empty socket. If this clot is disrupted, a painful condition referred to as dry socket can result. Low level bleeding at the extraction site is normal for up to 24 hours; however, active bleeding is not and requires medical care.
If you are in the Bakersfield, California, area and you need a tooth extracted, contact Rock Doc Dentistry today at 1-661-836-6651 to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced dentists. Our office is located at 1029 Stine Road in Bakersfield, California.