Tooth Extraction Framingham MA

Sometimes teeth experience decay or infection due to poor hygiene, injury or underlying health conditions. In these cases, fillings, crowns, and root canal treatments can help preserve the tooth. However, there are situations where there is too much damage. While your dentist will do their best to save your tooth, sometimes removing the affected tooth can actually improve your oral health.

This is called tooth extraction, and there are many situations in which your dentist may recommend pulling out a tooth. Sometimes teeth are so badly decayed or infected that they must be removed. Some people have extra teeth or baby teeth that need to be removed. Overcrowding and impaction are other reasons, especially when it comes to wisdom teeth. There are two ways to extract a tooth. In some cases, it is as simple as using a tool called an elevator to loosen the tooth and then removing it with forceps. If the tooth has broken off or has not fully erupted, surgical removal may be necessary. Learn more about the process for tooth extraction. Call us if you have concerns or would like to schedule a consultation.

Tooth Extraction Process

At your consultation, the dentist will take X-rays to examine the tooth and plan the extraction. This X-ray will show the relationship between the affected tooth and the other teeth. It may also show tumors and infections. Be sure to provide your dentist with your full medical history, since certain medications can affect recovery or interact with others. Your doctor may order you to take antibiotics before surgery based on your medical background.

For a simple extraction, you will be given a local anesthetic injected directly into the affected area. The dentist will then pull out the tooth in just a few minutes. For surgical procedures, you will likely be given general anesthesia. The dentist will cut away gum and bone tissue to remove the tooth. Sometimes the tooth has to be broken into pieces. You should not feel any pain during the procedure.

When the tooth extraction is complete, you will receive instructions to speed up your recovery. Typically, these instructions include the following.

Avoid brushing teeth for 24 hours after extraction.
Use warm salt water to rinse the mouth after meals.
Relieve pain with over-the-counter medication.
Place ice packs on the face to reduce swelling.
Do not use straws, as they can impact healing.
Avoid smoking.

While a tooth extraction is generally tolerated well with minimal discomfort afterward, sometimes patients experience complications. If you develop any of the following, contact our office right away:

Fever
Chills
Cough
Nausea or vomiting
Severe pain or swelling
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Difficulty swallowing

Learn More Today

Tooth extractions can often be prevented with good oral hygiene. Protecting your teeth is our main goal. Our team will recommend the best treatments for your needs. We can even suggest tooth replacement options such as bridges, dentures, and implants. Contact our office to schedule an exam and consultation today. Call (508) 620-1170 or book an appointment online.