Tooth extractions are a standard dental procedure, and your dentist may recommend having a tooth pulled for various reasons.
Of course, we like to preserve your natural teeth whenever possible, but an extraction is sometimes necessary to improve or maintain oral health.
Reasons You Might Need a Tooth Extraction in Allentown, PA
Your dentist will talk to you about tooth extraction if you have deep tooth decay that cannot be treated with a crown or filling. Additionally, if you’ve broken a tooth below the gumline, it may require extraction followed by tooth replacement.
Sometimes, root canals fail, requiring a redo or, in rare cases, extraction.
If you have impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth, the dentist may recommend extraction to ease discomfort and prevent infection.
Tooth extraction can be part of a secondary procedure. For example, we may extract teeth before orthodontics or dentures.
The Extraction Process and Aftercare
We offer powerful local anesthesia to ensure a numb treatment site, but you can also opt for sedation dentistry if you’re feeling anxious.
Depending on the x-ray findings, extractions may be straightforward or complex. For example, impacted wisdom teeth are often surgical, meaning the extraction takes a bit more planning, and the recovery may be different. In either case, you’ll not feel pain.
After extraction, we provide instructions to promote healing.
For the first few days, we recommend soft foods, no smoking, and no drinking through a straw. It would be best if you also rinsed your mouth without spitting—allow the water to trickle out. Additionally, you can use gauze for mild bleeding.
During the first days, you may experience mild pain and discomfort. To alleviate these symptoms, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen.
Contact Your Allentown Dentist Today
If you’ve had a tooth extracted due to decay or damage, it’s crucial to replace it to keep your oral health intact. Contact our dental office today to learn more about tooth replacement and extraction or to schedule a consultation.
