Gentle & Painless Tooth Removal
The thought of having a tooth removed can be intimidating, but sometimes it’s the only way to restore your health and prevent further damage. At Holyoke Mall Dental, our highly skilled team of dentists will do everything they can to save your tooth before resorting to tooth extraction.
We’re committed to performing safe and virtually painless procedures to get your oral health back on track. Read more to learn about tooth extractions and discover if this procedure may be the best option for you and your oral health.
When Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
No one wants to hear they need a tooth extraction, but it’s a common procedure that’s sometimes the best option when it comes to preserving your oral health. Tooth removal may be needed for patients suffering from:
- Impacted or Dysfunctional Wisdom Teeth: Your wisdom teeth will likely cause you pain or discomfort when they fail to erupt or erupt improperly. Removing them will reduce the chance of infection and eliminate pain.
- Damaged or Decayed Teeth: Teeth that are decayed or damaged down to the root will need to be removed to prevent the collection of bacteria, which may lead to an infection.
- Severely Overcrowded Teeth: Removing teeth from an overcrowded mouth will make room for the other teeth to become properly aligned.
- Advanced Periodontal Disease: Also known as gum disease, this disease deteriorates your vital oral structures, including your teeth, causing them to fall out. It may be a better idea to extract these before they can fall out to minimize pain and damage.
Types of Tooth Extractions
Simple Extractions
Simple extractions, also known as general extractions, involve removing visible teeth that have breached the gums. Dr. Chen will administer local anesthesia to numb the surgical site before starting the procedure. Small incisions to the gums won’t be necessary as the tooth has breached.
After Dr. Chen removes the tooth, he’ll apply gauze and stitches, if necessary, to start the healing process. The recovery time for this procedure is typically 48 to 72 hours.
Surgical Extractions
A surgical extraction procedure is reserved for patients who need impacted teeth removed, which are teeth that haven’t breached or have improperly erupted from the gums. After administering local anesthesia, Dr. Chen will make a small incision in the gums to surgically remove the impacted tooth. After the removal, he’ll apply gauze and stitches to begin the healing process. The recovery time for a surgical extraction is about 72 hours.
Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Your third set of molars, also known as your wisdom teeth, will usually need to be removed to avoid oral health complications. Wisdom teeth extractions are typically recommended for patients in their late teens and early twenties before the teeth have time to fuse with the nerves. This procedure can either be a simple or surgical extraction, depending on the severity of your case.
Some patients don’t need to get their wisdom teeth extracted. During your initial consultation, Dr. Chen will examine your mouth before determining the best course of action.
General Tooth Extraction Process
Each one of your teeth is held in place by a ligament that runs along the edge of its socket. We’ll remove your tooth by gently expanding the socket to separate the tooth from the ligament. For impacted teeth, a small incision will be made in the gums prior to extraction.
Our team of exceptional dentists takes the necessary time to create a comfortable environment before extractions that keep our patients at ease, using effective relaxation techniques like sedation dentistry. This will eliminate any pain or anxiety you may feel during the procedure.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. We’ve put together a few simple tips for caring for your extraction site:
- Bite on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes immediately after your appointment
- If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes
- Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol, or brush your teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours after the procedure
- Limit strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for the next 24 hours
- Apply a cold compress to the area to minimize swelling
- Take pain medications as prescribed
After a few days, you should be able to resume your normal activities. If you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, or continued swelling for two to three days, call our office immediately at (413) 538-7400.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tooth extractions can generally be completed in just one visit to our Holyoke office. The exact length of your procedure will depend on the type and number of extractions you require. During your initial consultation, Dr. Chen will create a customized treatment plan that will address your needs and include an approximate timeline for your treatment.
After having a tooth extracted, it’s important to rest for the first 24 hours and meticulously follow your aftercare instructions. Failure to do so may result in complications during this crucial period of the healing process.
Your dentist and our staff ask that you avoid touching the surgical site, keep the gauze in place for several hours, and apply a cold compress to relieve any pain and swelling. If complications arise, please contact our Holyoke office at (413) 538-7400.
We’ll provide you with anesthetic and appropriate dental sedation so you won’t feel any pain or undue stress during your extraction procedure. These measures are safe and effective, and a member of our staff will be with you every step of the way to ensure you stay completely comfortable. You may experience mild discomfort or pain after your surgery, but we’ll prescribe pain medication for your recovery.
After tooth extraction, it’s recommended that you avoid crunchy, chewy, and tough foods for at least 24 hours. Dr. Chen recommends soft and liquid-based foods such as:
- Scrambled eggs
- Yogurt and pudding
- Juices and smoothies
- Mashed potatoes
- Apple sauce
- Blended soups and broth
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Our experienced dental team is dedicated to making your extraction procedure as gentle and painless as possible. If you require a tooth extraction, schedule an appointment with Dr. Chen at our Holyoke office by calling (413) 538-7400. You can also fill out our online contact form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. We proudly serve patients across Hampden County, MA like Westfield, Southampton, and South Hadley, MA.
