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We always do our absolute best to save teeth when possible, but some teeth cannot be saved. If tooth decay or an infection is too extensive to treat and it is affecting the patient’s health they must be removed. Another reason for extraction could be that a tooth is “non-restorable”, which is a designation when no matter what treatment we try they can not be fixed.
Whether simple extraction or complex surgical extraction, at Angstadt Family Dental our dentists can complete just about any tooth extraction necessary for our patients. The most important part about trying to save teeth is starting care EARLY and pursuing preventive care to prevent losing teeth.
What to Expect from Tooth Extraction
At the time of extraction the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jaw bone, and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic.
During the extraction process you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.
You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected. Please let us know right away, if you feel any pain during the extraction, and we will make adjustments.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
Your first appointment will begin with a complete oral evaluation. 3D scans or other diagnostic images may be taken at this time. A wisdom tooth extraction plan will be created just for you based on the position of your teeth, the type of anesthesia to be used, and personal preferences.
The initial appointment is an ideal time to address any questions or concerns you may have. We will make sure to provide you with preoperative instructions so you can prepare for your procedure in a safe and healthy way.
Janet – Lancaster, PA
“I want to thank you all for your sincere kindness and compassion. I have always feared going to the dentist. You all have taken that fear away! The massaging dental chair is and added bonus. You are all so professional and caring. I will recommend you to my family and friends!”
Tooth Extraction Process
After a surgical tooth extraction, the dentist and/or assistant will always explain what the patient should expect post-operatively and give them the best instructions to help them heal quickly and pain-free. Remember, primary healing occurs over 1-2 weeks and secondary healing occurs over 4-6 weeks.
Here are some instructions and some expectations after a tooth extraction that can be expected for all or most patients.
These instructions are broad and for most patients but the doctors specific instructions for each patient can vary and to follow those instructions first.
Instructions after a Tooth Extraction
- Take the prescribed pain medications AS DIRECTED by your treating doctor
- NO SMOKING!!
- Use an ice pack as directed to minimize swelling and pain. Typically 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off the first 2 days can be very helpful
- Biting on the provided gauze can help a clot to form, use it as necessary
- Do not spit forcefully, rinse vigorously, or drink through a straw. Anything that creates force in your mouth can slow the healing process and delay healing at the site of the extraction
- DO NOT use any home remedies or OTC rinses unless recommended to you by your doctor
- Eat and drink a soft and bland diet. Anything crunchy or chewy can disrupt healing at the site(s) and/or get stuck and delay healing
- Eat and drink room temperature (or cooler) foods and beverages. Anything hot can increase blood flow and increase soreness/swelling
What to Expectations after a Tooth is Removed?
- Some swelling and even potentially bruising can be expected but is not always common.
- Soreness or tenderness around the extraction site is to be expected directly after the extraction but to taper off over the course of a couple of days. Tenderness to the touch can be expected for up to 2 weeks as bone healing and soft tissue healing occur.
- Patients should expect a positive trend with soreness, tenderness, and any swelling that may occur. If it becomes worse or more painful than previously, call our doctors on call.
Emergency Dental Extraction
Do you need your tooth pulled today? We provide emergency tooth extractions in Lancaster, PA are available 24 hours. You can schedule an appointment or get emergency dental care on the weekend and after hours (after-hour care may require a visit to our Wyomissing or Exton location)!
Call our dentist in Lancaster today to schedule an appointment for tooth extraction!
