Tooth Extraction, A blog by Lake Lanier Smiles, Affordable Buford Dentist

What you should know about Tooth Extraction 

 An article by 

Lake Lanier Smiles, Affordable Buford Dentist.

Getting teeth extracted can seem daunting and scary. Some patients refrain from getting the procedure due to bad past experiences or that of others.

Tooth extraction is a very common procedure in a dental office. Our dentists at Lake Lanier Smiles are well trained to carry this procedure out. In some critical and difficult cases, you may be referred to an oral surgeon.

After an extraction, there are several ways in which the tooth can be replaced. We will work with you to figure out what’s next after an extraction. At Lake Lanier Smiles, we replace the missing teeth by dental Implant, Bridge or partial denture or complete dentures.

Why do I need my tooth/ teeth to be extracted?
• In cases of severe decay or significantly damaged teeth
• No opposing teeth and over erupted teeth
• Loss of periodontal support surrounding the teeth
• Some teeth may be retained inside the bone causing crowding and other anomalies
• Wisdom teeth that are erupting in an incorrect direction causing severe pain and discomfort
• For orthodontic reasons needing more space for proper alignment
• Those patients undergoing radiation therapy need their infected teeth removed as drugs decrease the immune system.
• Ectopic teeth- rare genetic anomaly resulting in teeth located in the wrong place
• Primary teeth still retained as an adult

TOOTH DECAY : MOST COMMON REASON FOR TOOTH EXTRACTION

Will the tooth extraction be painful?
Before the extraction procedure, the dentist will use anesthesia to numb the area of the extraction. During the procedure, you will feel pressure. Do not be alarmed by this. Many times patients confuse this with pain. If you do feel you are in pain, raise your hand closest to the dentist so they can give more anesthesia.

CARTOON : TOOTH FAIRY HELPING IN EXTRACTION

What will the whole procedure be like?
• X-rays will be taken to determine the plan of action.
• Local anesthesia will be administered to numb the area (in a surgical scenario, general anesthesia or conscious sedation may be needed).
• Depending on the location of the tooth within the bone, incisions and bone removal may be necessary.
• With the use of elevators and forceps, the tooth will be teased out of the socket.
• The socket is cleaned of any debris and washed with saline water.
• If necessary, bone graft will be placed to help fill larger voids.
• Dissolvable sutures may be placed to aid in the healing process.
• You will be told to bite on some gauze to help stop the bleeding and given some to take home.
• The dentist will prescribe some extra strength pain killers, however over the counter medication will be enough such as NSAIDs (Aspirin, Ibuprofen or Advil).
• Antibiotics may be necessary for patients that had infection surrounding the tooth.

LAKE LANIER SMILES DENTIST WORKING ON A PATIENT

How much do tooth extractions cost?Extractions at Lake Lanier Smiles would cost between $ 119 and $169.We don't charge any extra fees.This fee is for non-insurance patients.Also we accept most dental insurances. Fees with insurance might be lower too.

CLICK HERE FOR EXTRACTION SPECIAL OFFER

What can I expect after the extraction?
• Presence of swelling for a few days- use salt water rinses and cold pack
• Tenderness and soreness of the gums around the socket
• Bleeding should be stopped before leaving the office. Please call us if it does continue at home.
• Nausea may occur due to the anesthesia, swallowed blood, or pain killers
• Locked jaw- limited opening of the mouth. It is not common, but can linger for a week and resolve by stretching the mouth or muscle relaxant drugs.

What instructions should I follow?
• Refrain from smoking for 1-3 days
• Avoid hot food- intake of cool and soft food is recommended
• Avoid using a straw
• Try not to pick at the extraction site with your tongue
• In case of pain, pain killers will help. It is preferred to take a pill before the anesthesia wears off.
• Do not lift heavy objects or perform strenuous activities, as it will cause more bleeding to occur.
• In case of nausea, drink some ginger ale or other carbonated beverages to minimize the feeling.
• Maintain a good oral hygiene by brushing (softly for first couple days), flossing and mouthwash.

CARTOON. PATIENT TALKING TO DENTIST

What is a dry socket?
A complication occurring after an extraction. A clot formation is important for healing of the socket and prevention of bleeding. When the clot is disrupted from forming or remaining, it will lead to a dry socket.  The result is severe pain from nerve endings in the socket area. The symptoms will develop 3-4 days after. The clot may be effected by:
• Smoking
• Increase in blood pressure
• Use of a straw
• Infections around the socket
• Manipulation of the site with the tongue
• Food impaction
• Vigorous rinsing of the socket
Please call our office as soon as you feel a dry socket has developed. We will clean out, rinse and add a sedative dressing into the socket.

How can extracted teeth be replaced?
• Bridges
• Total or partial dentures
• Implants
• Orthodontics shifting of teeth

If you have any questions about tooth extractions or to make an appointment to see us, Call us at 770-831-0559 or visit us at WWW. LAKELANIERSMILES.COM for Valuable Coupons and Specials. Our prices are 30-50 % Off Regular Prices. Call Us before Noon and we will see you the Same Day. We accept most insurances. We are conveniently located just off I-985 at 4965 Lanier Islands Parkway, Suite 105, Buford, Ga- 30418. LAKE LANIER SMILES provides Affordable dental care with outstanding customer service to patients in Buford, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Cumming, Flowery Branch and surrounding areas.