Tooth extraction isn’t as scary as you might think.
If you have ever been to a dentist, you know the fear of hearing words like cavity, gum disease, or root canal. In the world of dentistry, there are two words that are only used when absolutely necessary: tooth extraction. This procedure is only used as a last resort when all else fails in making the patient comfortable or fixing an issue that could lead to other problems. Here is what you should know if you ever hear those words.
Why Tooth Extraction is Necessary
Just the thought of someone pulling teeth is enough to make even the toughest person wince in pain. But sometimes it is a necessary procedure that cannot be avoided. Teeth may be pulled for several reasons, such as severe decay or infection. If the infection is not treated, it may spread to other areas of the mouth or other parts of your body. Although teeth extractions are avoided when possible, it can be necessary if the teeth could cause bodily harm.
Procedures of Tooth Extractions
If movies are to be believed, a dentist will walk into the room with a rusty pair of pliers, grabbing the offending tooth, and swiftly yank it out with as much finesse as an elephant in a ballet recital. But once again, the magic of Hollywood fools us into fearing the worse. Tooth extraction is not nearly as painful or traumatic. If you choose Annapolis Dental Care, the helpful and skilled doctors will start by numbing the offending area. After making sure you are comfortable, the dentist will gently cut the gum area to access and extract the entire tooth. After the tooth is “pulled”, the patient will spend time biting down on gauze to stop the bleeding as a blood clot forms. The dentist may add some stitches to the area to help the incision heal.
The Aftermath
Although a tooth extraction is considered an outpatient procedure, it is still a medical procedure. This means that the patient is discouraged from driving themselves home from the office. After arriving home, it is best to spend the day of and the day after resting in the safety of home. Soft foods, such as applesauce, cooked or ripe fruits, and gelatin are encourages as well as either prescribed or over-the-counter medications that the dentist will speak to you about. Ice will help with swelling as well as aiding with pain. Normal dental routines can resume in a day or so and a follow up appointment may be needed in the following weeks.
Tooth Extractions with Annapolis Dental Care
In the world of dentistry, no one likes to hear that a patient needs to have a tooth pulled. But when a patient is in severe pain and cannot find any relief, sometimes an extraction is the only option. It is better to treat this problem as quickly as possible to help avoid other health problems. Talk to the dentists at Annapolis Dental Care about the procedure and any concerns you might have.
If you have any questions about tooth extractions in Annapolis, or if you wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Annapolis Dental Care by calling (410) 267-0766 or visit AnnapolisDentalCare.com today! Our diligent knowledge of all dental treatments and extensive experience in all fields of dentistry, ensure Annapolis Dental is best suited to care for your oral health. You can also follow Annapolis Dental Care on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.