It may be necessary at some point in time to extract one, or perhaps more of your teeth. Extraction may be needed if one of your teeth has been damaged by an accident, or by disease to the point that it is no longer viable. If that is the case, your dentist will also discuss tooth restoration options with you. An extraction may be needed if you have too many teeth, if it is necessary for an orthodontic treatment, or to deal with issues presented by wisdom teeth.
When your dentist extracts the tooth, he will first numb the area, If you are having a simple extraction, the dentist will use an instrument called an elevator to loosen the tooth, before removing it with forceps. Your dentist may prescribe a pain-reliever or antibiotic. You should take these medications, or an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed. While you can brush the rest of your teeth, for the first 24 hours after the procedure, you should rinse the extraction site. It will also help if you eat soft foods and chew on the opposite side of your mouth. You should not smoke since that can introduce new bacteria into your mouth, and avoid using straws. You want to keep the blood clot over the extraction site intact so that the socket can properly heal.
If you are experiencing tooth pain, or it is just time for your regular cleaning and exam, you should contact Wyoming Dental Specialties in Evanston, Wyoming for an appointment by calling 307-789-5608. Our dentist, Dr. Nathan Lester is eager to help you get started on a great smile!