Tooth Extraction
Portland, OR
 While extractions seem like one of the more straightforward procedures in the practice of dentistry, they really are not. A lot of evaluation and decision making goes into determining whether a tooth should be extracted or and how. While this decision is entirely for the patient to make, here at Elliott Dentistry, it is our duty to ensure that we provide all the required information to assist you in making the right dental health decision.
Once the decision has been made, the rest of the process is simple enough for our experts. The area where the tooth is located is simply numbed, and the tooth is then extracted. The patient will not experience a lot of pain at the time of the extraction, but as the influence of anesthesia wears out after an hour or two, they might experience manageable pain.
When Do I Need an Extraction?
The need for extraction can result due to multiple reasons. When a tooth is decayed or damaged to the extent that one cannot afford to keep it in place, it needs to be removed. This is because there is a high risk of the infection spreading deeper into the gums and eventually to the bloodstream if not dealt with on time.
When the four wisdom teeth erupt as we age, the addition of two extra teeth to each arch can make the teeth overlap and get misaligned. This misalignment results in problems with chewing and biting. Furthermore, the extra teeth may also damage and change the shape of the existing teeth. In this case, extraction is recommended.
If periodontal disease or any other condition or emergency results in the loosening of teeth, our dentist will recommend removing the loose teeth as they do no good. The presence of loose teeth only causes pain when you eat or brush.
The Process of Extraction
A simple extraction is carried out when the target tooth is easily accessible in the mouth, and there are no other risks involved in the procedure. In this procedure, the patient is given local anesthesia by injecting in the surrounding gum. When the patient cannot feel the area, our expert will use a special tool called an ‘elevator’ to loosen the tooth and then finally remove it with forceps. The area is then adequately covered to stop blood flow.
On the other hand, if the target tooth is not easily accessible, or there is a risk of infection due to decay, surgical extraction is carried out. The patient may be given general anesthesia, or local anesthesia or local anesthesia, in case he or she is a child. The expert then makes a gum incision to remove the target tooth. In case the infection has spread, they will have to remove the associated bone tissue to ensure that the infection is entirely eliminated.
Recovery
With proper care, your mouth can heal in no time following a tooth extraction. Smoking should be avoided. Rinsing the mouth vigorously should also be avoided as it can disturb the healing tissue, do not drink from a straw for at least two days as the suction effect also does the same.
For further information dial our office at (503) 661-6111. You can also visit Elliott Dentistry for a live consultation with our highly qualified specialists. |
