If you need tooth extractions in Columbus, OH, you likely have questions about the procedure and recovery. Fortunately, most people recover quickly from tooth extractions, provided they follow their dentist’s aftercare instructions.
Let’s explore the reasons you may need a tooth pulled and learn more about extraction recovery.
Reasons You May Need a Tooth Extraction
You may need a tooth extraction if you have a profoundly decayed, broken, or damaged tooth. Of course, your dentist will first consider a dental crown to save the tooth, but if the damage is too severe, we will extract it.
We strongly encourage tooth replacement for these types of extractions to restore your bite function, oral health, and smile aesthetics.
Another reason we might extract teeth is as a precursor to dentures or orthodontics. Sometimes your remaining teeth are not healthy enough to support a partial denture, so we extract in favor of a complete prosthetic. Additionally, extraction before orthodontics may be the answer if your jaw is not large enough to support a row of aligned teeth.
Problematic or infected wisdom teeth are another reason your dentist may recommend extraction.
Recovering from a Dental Extraction
Your dentist provides aftercare instructions that may be more customized to your unique case. However, general guidelines include:
- Using sterile gauze to help with any bleeding
- Sticking to a soft-food diet—mashed potatoes, yogurt, etc.
- Waiting a day before smoking or drinking through a straw
- Avoiding touching the extraction site for a few days
- Keeping the mouth and extraction site clean
- Calling your dentist if you have questions or concerns
For Dental Extractions, Contact Your Columbus, OH, Dentist
We always ensure the extraction site is numb before starting work. And adherence to aftercare instructions typically means only a few days or less than a week of recovery.
To learn more about tooth extractions or to schedule a consultation with the dentist, call us today.