When you think about visiting a dentist, you might think of things like having a cavity filled or needing to have a tooth extraction. To make the process of visiting a dentist for a tooth extraction less stressful, this article will identify some of the major aspects of a tooth extraction. Instead of being afraid of visiting the dentist to have a tooth removed, you’ll go in having a greater awareness of the process of extraction.
Why You Might Need A Tooth Extraction
You might need a tooth extraction for different reasons. For example, if your tooth has undergone some type of trauma, then having an extraction would help with this disruption to the health of the tooth.
Another reason that you might have an extraction might be due to the deterioration of the tooth. Tooth decay happens when the tooth’s surface (also called the enamel) deteriorates over time. Sometimes, the deterioration of the tooth can cause cavities.
Additionally, you might need a tooth extraction if the tooth has undergone some type of disease. For example, if the tooth is infected or if there are issues with your gums.
While these reasons aren’t the only reason why you might need a tooth extraction, according to the American Dental Association, these reasons are the most common.
What To Do Before a Tooth Extraction
A few weeks ago, we talked about the different steps that you can take to prepare for a tooth extraction. Overall, before you have an extraction, it’s very important to have a discussion with your dentist. During your visit with your dentist, ask any questions or concerns that you may have. This can include bringing up:
- Your medical history. You might talk to your dentist about having a heart condition, blood disorder or other aspects of your health. These are very crucial issues to bring up before you have a tooth extraction.
- Your insurance. Check in with your dental provider and see what they will and won’t cover.
A visit with your dentist can help you prepare for your tooth extraction. It can also help you feel more comfortable before your tooth extraction.
What Happens During a Tooth Extraction
There are different ways that a tooth can be extracted. The first is a non-surgical removal of the tooth. The second is a surgical removal. Despite the different methods of extraction, here are some of the key similarities between the two types.
The dentist might numb your tooth.
Numbing the tooth and the different parts surrounding it is helpful because it helps with the pain that you would otherwise feel if you didn’t have it numbed.
“Wait?” you’re thinking, “Will numbing include having a needle used on me?’
The answer is it depends on your dentist. It’s important to discuss if needles are involved in the tooth extraction process with your dentist prior to the tooth extraction. During the extraction, the dentist should also be checking in with you to see if your tooth is numb. Your dentist might ask you questions like: Is your tooth hurting? Do you feel any numbness?
The dentist will then extract your tooth.
Before the dentist can extract your tooth, the dentist will need to widen the tooth’s socket. The socket is what’s holding your tooth in place.
The dentist might then use extraction forceps and dental elevators. Dental elevators are
small pieces that are similar to screw drivers. The elevators go around the bone and between the teeth. Dental elevators usually move the tooth around so that they’re easier to grasp. Extraction forceps, the tool that helps with grasping the tooth, are like pliers in that they can be used to hold on to something that needs to be pulled out.
Cleaning and Slowing The Bleeding
Once the tooth has been extracted, your dentist will then use different measures to slow down or stop the bleeding. The dentist will also clean the area in which the removal happened.
With The Right Dentist, A Tooth Extraction Doesn’t Need to Be Horribly Painful
Hearing words like pliers, screw drivers, and pulling, can sound scary and painful. But with the right dentist, the tooth extraction will go smoother. At Hendersonville Family Dental, our dental team includes highly trained and qualified dentists, dental hygienists, and an amazing staff. We will do our best to ensure that you feel comfortable, and safe prior to, during, and after your procedure. That’s because we believe that our patients deserve the best care and treatment. With specializations in different areas of dentistry, our team will help you find the right treatment for you–one that will help you maintain healthy and beautiful teeth.
Contact us today! We would love to hear from and help you! Remember, visiting a dentist doesn’t have to be scary and stressful!