What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction

A tooth extraction is one of the most common dental procedures. It’s done not only to take care of a specific problem but also to prevent future dental problems. Most people dread getting their teeth extracted because the sound of getting your tooth pulled out sure sounds painful and scary! 

To help you prepare for a tooth extraction your dentist has recommended, we’ve explained why a tooth extraction is sometimes needed and what you should expect during the procedure. 

Why are Tooth Extractions Needed?

Tooth extractions are needed for numerous reasons. Some of the most common reasons are:

• Tooth decay
• Tooth fracture
• Severe gum disease
• Crowded teeth
• Abscess
• Malocclusion 
• Risk of damage to adjacent teeth

Getting the damaged tooth extracted protects the healthy teeth. In general, a tooth extraction improves overall dental health. 

What to Expect During the Procedure?

The procedure starts with a thorough assessment of the affected tooth and the surrounding areas of the mouth. The dentist will also take an x-ray of your teeth to see how widespread the damage is. Once the dentist has all the necessary information, they’ll discuss the sedation options with you. The process is done under sedation because it’s a painful process. 

The dentist numbs the area to be treated using local anesthesia. Next, they’ll loosen the affected tooth using specialized tools and lift it from its socket. Sometimes, the dentist may have to make an incision in the gums to access the tooth. Next, the empty socket is cleaned and disinfected. They may also insert a bone graft, so there’s no bone loss. In the end, the dentist applies stitches to promote the healing process.

If you’re looking for a periodontist for Newington dental extractions and Portsmouth dental extractions, visit us at Coastal Periodontics.