Got a toothache? You may not want to let go of your tooth, but holding on to it may create more challenges. Board-certified dentist Dr. Timothy Lethin can perform a tooth extraction quickly and relatively pain-free at his practice in Anchorage, AK.
Reasons Why You Would Need An Extraction
- Infections
Sometimes you may need your wisdom tooth extracted because it can cause infections in the gum tissue and crowding of the teeth around them. - Crowding
When your mouth can not accommodate your wisdom teeth, you run the risk of chewing your food poorly, which leads to gastrointestinal problems after some time. - Severe Decay
Another reason why you may need your tooth extracted is because of severe decay. Illness, lack of proper oral care, and other reasons can cause a tooth to weaken and no longer function healthily. At this point, your dentist may suggest that you have an extraction. The extraction may be in preparation for a dental implant and crown.
Is removing a tooth painful?
Your dentist will administer local anesthesia so that you will not feel the pain of the extraction. After the pain medication wears off, you may use over-the-counter meds for pain management.
How to Care for the Site of Extraction
Try not to rinse the mouth for about 24 hours after the procedure. This time allows the gum tissue to create a “plug” at the site of removal and assist with healing. When brushing, be careful to avoid this sensitive space, as agitating it will slow recovery time. If you have any questions or concerns about your mouth after the tooth extraction, free free to reach out to your dentist for help.
Tooth Extraction can be quick and pain-free. If you know you need an extraction, or have a tooth that needs an examination, call Dr. Lethin in Anchorage, AK, at (907) 337-9474 to set up a consultation.