There are various reasons why your dentist may recommend getting your tooth extracted. Common reasons include a painful wisdom tooth or a badly damaged or decayed tooth. The purpose of getting your tooth extracted by a dentist is to eliminate bacteria and enhance your overall oral health. However, extractions are only necessary if other dental services cannot save the affected tooth.
Unfortunately, many patients are skeptical or anxious about having their tooth extracted, and they shy away from getting their tooth extracted. This only leads to more damage and infections later on. That’s why our dentists have written this piece to soothe your fears about getting a tooth removal so you can get the dental care you need.
Here’s what you need to know about getting a tooth extraction in Indian Trail, NC.
Tooth Extraction Explained
A tooth extraction is a dental procedure that involves completely removing a tooth from its socket. A dentist usually only uses this procedure when it is absolutely necessary. When your tooth is damaged, decayed, and can’t be repaired with a crown or a filling, then it’s time to have it completely removed. This procedure is also known as “pulling a tooth.”
When Does Your Dentist Recommend Getting a Tooth Extracted?
While it is normal for teens and young adults to get their wisdom teeth removed to avoid complications, there are a variety of reasons why your dentist may recommend getting your other teeth extracted.
Severe tooth decay, gum diseases, crowded teeth, a broken tooth that can’t be fixed, and a severe tooth infection may require a tooth extraction. In addition, patients who want braces may need one or two teeth removed to make room for their other teeth as they shift into position.
Types of Tooth Extraction Procedures in Indian Trail, NC
When your dentist or oral surgeon performs a tooth extraction, the process is generally quick and involves the use of local, intravenous, or general anesthesia. The extraction procedure is also relatively simple, depending on the condition of the teeth. However, broken or impacted teeth require a more involved procedure.
Depending on whether your teeth are impacted or visible, the tooth extraction procedures can either be simple or surgical.
Simple Extraction
During a simple extraction, your dentist will apply a local anesthetic to numb the area around your tooth. This will make you feel only the pressure and not the pain. Afterward, your dentist will use an elevator to loosen the tooth and forceps to extract it.
Surgical Extraction
This procedure will require your dentist or oral surgeon to cut into your gums with a small incision. Typically, they will need to cut your tooth or remove the bone around your tooth before it can be extracted.
Before this procedure, you will likely receive local and intravenous anesthesia. This will help you stay calm and relaxed during the procedure.
What to Expect Before a Dental Extraction
Before getting your teeth removed, a consultation with your dentist is necessary. During the consultation, your dentist will ask about your medical health history and any medications you’re taking.
You may be advised to stop or start taking specific medications in the days leading up to your tooth removal.
Antibiotics
Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics before a tooth extraction. This is because they need to make sure that any symptoms and signs of dental infections have been taken care of before the procedure.
Local Anesthesia
At the beginning of the procedure, your dentist will apply a local anesthetic around the extraction area. This will numb the area so you don’t feel any pain. The numbness will subside a few hours after the procedure is completed, so it’s normal for your mouth to feel numb for a brief time after the extraction.
Patients with anxiety may also request additional anesthetic to minimize their anxiety during the procedure.
What Happens After a Tooth Removal
After removing your tooth, your dentist will place a piece of gauze over the extraction site and ask you to bite down with firm but slow pressure. This is required to slow the bleeding so a blood clot can form.
Once the bleeding is reduced, you can take out the gauze. You may experience light bleeding during the first 24 hours of your treatment.
Tooth Extraction Cost in Indian Trail, NC
The cost for a tooth extraction in Indian Trail, NC, depends on the type of extraction you need. A simple extraction costs between $75 and $200 per tooth, but it can be more expensive depending on the kind of anesthesia used.
On the other hand, the cost of extracting impacted teeth is much higher and ranges from $800 and $4,000.
Book an Appointment With Us Today!
At Nexus Dental Associates, our dentist will take care of your every need so you can have the best experience possible when you get a tooth extraction in Indian Trail, NC. You can book an appointment with us today or contact us for a consultation.
