Since tooth extractions aren’t typically as routine as other treatments, like checkups and fillings, it’s natural for patients to have questions about this procedure. As always, our team is available to provide the specific answers you’re looking for at your initial appointment or, in some cases, over the phone. However, we know that some patients really value being able to do their research online first. For this reason, we’ve responded to a few of the most frequently asked questions about tooth extractions in Belmont right here!
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
Our Belmont dentist is proud to offer pain-free tooth extractions. Whether you are getting one tooth extracted or several, we will always start the procedure the same way: numbing your mouth and making sure you feel comfortable. Once you’re ready to get started, you may feel some slight pressure from our team working. If you’d feel more comfortable being sedated, we can make those accommodations as well.
In the hours and days following your appointment, you may feel some discomfort and soreness. Luckily, this isn’t anything that can’t be remedied with a cold compress or some OTC pain reliever. Just make sure to follow all of your post-op instructions to a tee. This will help ensure you have the smooth recovery experience you deserve.
Is There an Alternative to a Tooth Extraction?
The answer to this question will depend on each patient’s dental needs. For example, if a tooth has sustained extensive decay, then priority number one will be to preserve your natural tooth with a filling, dental crown, or root canal therapy. If the tooth in question has been compromised to the point where that is no longer feasible, then a tooth extraction is the only option. Of course, if you have any questions or concerns or simply want to review all of your available options, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist during your appointment! Remember, they are there to help you make an informed decision on what is best for your oral health.
What’s the Recovery for Tooth Extractions Like?
Once the procedure is complete, you’ll be given a list of aftercare instructions. These are designed to help you prevent infection and heal comfortably. Some of the most important best practices are getting plenty of rest, keeping your mouth clean, sticking to soft foods, not spitting, and refraining from tobacco use. To keep discomfort at bay, you can place a cold compress against the outside of your cheek for 10 minutes at a time and take OTC pain relievers as instructed. Around the 3-day mark, you should begin to feel better.
What Are My Options for Replacing a Missing Tooth?
Filling the gap in your smile following a tooth extraction is essential for both the look and function of your smile. For this reason, we will recommend a dental bridge, dentures, or dental implants. While dental bridges can replace between one and 4 teeth, they need to be in a single row for this tooth-replacement solution. Partial and full dentures are a tried-and-true solution that can address moderate or severe tooth loss, but unfortunately cannot stimulate your jawbone to prevent bone loss. Fortunately, dental implants can effectively replace one, a few, or an entire arch of teeth. Since the implant posts are inserted directly into the jawbone, they are incredibly lifelike, extremely stable, and able to last for 20+ years with proper care.
Can I Smoke After Getting a Tooth Extracted?
It’s best to avoid cigarettes and other tobacco products altogether after you have had a tooth removed. Otherwise, they may interfere with the healing process, and they could even cause a painful dry socket.
To stay on the safe side, you should refrain from using tobacco products for five days at the absolute minimum following your tooth extraction. Many dentists recommend giving up smoking for at least two weeks if possible. Be sure to talk to your regular physician; they can help you figure out the best way to stop smoking long enough for your mouth to heal properly.
How Long After a Tooth Extraction Can I Get a Denture?
Sometimes, a tooth extraction is simply a preliminary treatment to getting full dentures. The exact amount of time between the extraction procedure and the delivery of the final prosthesis can vary, but it’s typically around six to eight weeks.
The reason for the delay is that your dentist will need to wait for your mouth to sufficiently heal before taking impressions. This will ensure that said impressions are as accurate as possible, making it easier to correctly determine what size and shape the final dentures should be. Once the prosthesis is complete and has been sent back to your dentist’s office, a final appointment will be held to make sure that it fits properly inside your mouth.
How Should I Prepare for My Tooth Extraction?
Preparing properly for a tooth extraction is essential for ensuring that the procedure goes as smoothly as possible. If you have any questions, such as “What should I bring to my appointment?” or “What can I eat the morning of my appointment?”, let your dentist know. Additionally, be sure to closely follow any pre-operative instructions that our team gives you, such as picking up any medicines you were prescribed.
You may choose to have oral conscious sedation administered during your tooth extraction in order to keep yourself calm and comfortable. Since the effects of the sedative will linger for a while even after your treatment is complete, you should have a trusted friend or family member drive you home after your appointment.
Can I Leave the Space Empty After a Tooth Extraction?
Technically, yes; after a tooth has been removed, you can choose to leave the space where it used to be empty. However, this will make it more difficult for you to speak and chew properly. It can also lead to additional oral health issues, such as your remaining teeth drifting out of place. As such, it’s better to have the tooth replaced as soon as you can, and our team will be more than happy to walk you through your options for doing so.