Teeth ideally last a lifetime, but sometimes an extraction is necessary to preserve the overall health of your mouth. If you live in or around the area of Frisco, Texas, talk to the doctors at Lee Dental about your options for tooth extraction. Dr. Clyde Lee and Dr. Julie Lee will do their best to make the procedure as simple as possible.
Adults sometimes need teeth extracted due to extensive damage from trauma or decay that just can’t be fixed. Other reasons you might need to have a tooth extracted are:
You’ll have a local anesthetic administered to numb the area. How strong the anesthetic is used depends on whether or not the tooth is impacted, meaning it’s still underneath the gum. In the case of impacted teeth, the dentists must cut the gum and bone covering the tooth and use forceps to loosen the tooth.
The dentist will pack gauze in the socket where the tooth was, and in some cases, put in a few self-dissolving stitches to close the gum area.
Tooth extractions are extremely safe. However, if you have a medical condition that puts you at risk for infection, it’s recommended you take antibiotics to reduce the risk. Talk to the staff at Lee Dental for guidance on precautions you should take.
You may have pain or discomfort for a few days after having a tooth pulled. The dentist may prescribe painkillers to ease the pain. Ice packs applied to your jaw where the extraction occurred can help minimize pain, too.
A blood clot forms in the socket where the tooth once was. This clot prevents you from bleeding, so avoid spitting forcefully or drinking from a straw also for 24 hours, as this can dislodge the clot.
Other self-care tips after an extraction include: