Wisdom Teeth Extractions

What are tooth extractions?

Tooth extractions are a type of oral surgery used to remove one or several teeth. Playa District Dental might recommend extractions to address:

• Excessive decay
• Infection
• Crowding
• Impaction

You might also benefit from extractions if you’re preparing to undergo an organ transplant or chemotherapy. 

Tooth extractions are quick and relatively pain-free. Dr. E performs extractions under local anesthesia, so you’re comfortable throughout the entire procedure. If you have a low pain tolerance or suffer from dental anxiety, Dr. E might recommend sedation dentistry.

How do I prepare for tooth extractions?

Before extracting your teeth, Dr. E conducts an oral exam and reviews your oral health history. He then takes digital X-rays of your affected tooth (or teeth) to assess its current condition. 

During your initial appointment, let Dr. E know about any medical conditions you have like diabetes, a congenital heart defect, or thyroid disease. These ailments won’t prevent you from getting an extraction, but they can increase your risk of complications. To ensure your safety, Dr. E makes sure you’re in good overall health before moving forward.

What are the types of tooth extractions?

Dr. E and the team offer several types of tooth extractions, including:

Simple extractions

If your damaged or decaying tooth is above the gum line, Dr. E performs a simple extraction. He administers a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort and then loosens your tooth with a tool called an elevator. Afterward, he extracts your tooth with dental forceps.

Surgical extractions

If you have impacted wisdom teeth that haven’t yet broken through the gum line, Dr. E performs a surgical extraction. He administers a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort and makes a small incision along your gum line, over the affected tooth (or teeth). 

Dr. E separates each tooth into several pieces and removes them one at a time with dental forceps. After removing your teeth, he sutures up your gums and sends you home with a list of recovery instructions.

What is recovery like after tooth extractions?

Following your tooth extractions, it’s normal to experience some swelling, gum sensitivity, and mild pain. To limit inflammation, apply an ice pack or frozen bag of vegetables to your cheek. Eat soft foods like mashed potatoes, soup, or scrambled eggs for the first 24 hours. It’s okay to brush and floss, just make sure to do so gently, especially around the extraction site.

Rest for at least 24 hours and avoid strenuous activities like exercise. Feel free to take over-the-counter pain medication every six hours. Your mouth should heal within a week.

If you think you might need tooth extractions, request a consultation at Playa District Dental. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.