When you visit our dental implant clinic in Brooklyn, our doctors will analyze your unique situation and address the best course of action.
Wisdom tooth extraction planning starts with an X-Ray
An x-ray of the tooth is performed to determine its health. This helps our dentist plan for the most effective way to treat or extract the tooth. If it is a wisdom tooth, a panoramic x-ray is done to show the health of the sinuses and other teeth around it, as well as the nerve in the jawbone.
Some common reasons for pulling a tooth include severe decay or infection, gum disease, fractured tooth, malformed teeth, or insufficient space in the gums for wisdom teeth.
Understanding Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Impacted and infected wisdom teeth are extremely painful and cause discomfort. Wisdom tooth extraction is the most common dental extraction procedure in our dental office. We always take care of wisdom teeth quickly and painlessly, giving you fast relief.
During wisdom tooth extractions, the mouth is numbed while our oral surgeon removes the teeth. Wisdom teeth can be hard to clean, leading to infection, gum disease, or tooth decay in a partially erupted wisdom tooth.
About Ridge Augmentation
This is a common procedure performed following a dental extraction to help recreate the natural contour of the gums and jaw that may have been lost due to bone loss from the tooth extraction. When a tooth is extracted, an empty socket is left.
This empty socket usually heals on its own. However, sometimes it doesn’t. The previous height and width of the socket can continue to deteriorate over time. Rebuilding this original height and width isn’t medically necessary but may require dental implant placements or just for aesthetic purposes.
In our office, we can assess your situation and perform a ridge augmentation if it is necessary.
Aftercare You’ve Had a Tooth Pulled
After tooth extraction, it’s essential to follow your dentist or oral surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully to promote proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. Some general guidelines for tooth extraction aftercare include:
- Bite gently on the gauze placed over the extraction site for about 45 minutes to control bleeding.
- Rest for the remainder of the day, avoiding strenuous activities.
- Apply ice packs to the face in 20-minute intervals for the first 24-48 hours to reduce swelling.
- Avoid smoking and drinking through straws for at least 24 hours as it can cause dislodging of the clot and may lead to a dry socket.
- Eat soft foods and avoid crunchy, spicy, or hot foods for the first few days.
- Use over-the-counter pain medication as needed to manage discomfort.
- Brush your teeth gently and rinse your mouth with salt water or an antiseptic mouthwash.
- Take all medications as prescribed.
- Return to your dentist for follow-up visits as needed.
Learn More About Dental Extractions
While tooth extraction may be necessary for various reasons, our specialists can conduct a thorough dental examination to determine if you need tooth extractions. To learn more about dental extractions in Brooklyn and schedule an examination and cleaning at our dental office today, call us at 718-382-3444.
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