Professional Dentists in Lakewood, OH

Lakewood, Ohio

Permanent teeth are meant to last as long as a person lives.

However, tooth extraction can sometimes be necessary when there is irreversible damage that cannot be repaired by restorative dental treatments like crowns or fillings. Tooth extraction is also an option for wisdom teeth and tooth decay, especially when you are at risk of infection or have a crowded mouth in need of orthodontic treatment.

While this is a common dental procedure, many patients still fear getting their teeth pulled out. Here’s what to expect before and after to reduce anxiety:

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Before the Extraction

Your dentist in Lakewood, OH, will need to take a dental X-ray to examine the affected tooth and its surrounding bone to understand the most optimal way to remove it without causing damage. This will show the shape, length, extent, and exact position of the tooth.

Both your dental and medical history will also be reviewed by your dentist, including your current supplements and medications (including maintenance medication), to assess your overall health properly. Though the procedure itself is proven to be safe, there are still risks of infection when the bacteria slips into the bloodstream. There are also certain conditions that may require more precautionary steps, such as taking prescribed antibiotics before and after the extraction. To ensure your well-being, inform your dentist if you have any of the following conditions:

Pregnant women can also have their teeth extracted during their first or, preferably, second trimester once their obstetrician allows it; third trimester extractions are strongly advised against. Women who have a history with abortion should avoid extractions altogether.

During the Extraction

Following the pre-extraction process, your dentist will determine if the extraction needed is simple or surgical. Our dentists in Lakewood, OH, are trained to do so.

For simple extraction, only local anesthetic is needed. The dentist will numb the gum tissue and affected tooth to loosen it by using an elevator and dental forceps.

For a more complex case, the dentist may opt for a surgical extraction. This usually happens when the tooth has broken off the gum line or is not yet fully exposed. Due to the complexity, the dentist or oral surgeon will need to administer the anesthetic intravenously, ranging from conscious sedation to general anesthesia. Once the sedative has taken effect, the dentist will proceed with a small incision in your gum to remove the affected tooth.

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ADG Best Dentists in Lakewood OH

After the Extraction

Immediately after the tooth has been pulled out, your dentist will ask you to bite on a sterile gauze and keep it in place for over half an hour to reduce bleeding. Once soaked, it will be replaced.

There will be discomfort and pain following the procedure. To cope with this, do the following for the next 24 hours:

  1. Take a prescribed pain killer by your dentist.
  2. Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling (10 minutes at a time).
  3. Relax, and do not engage in strenuous activities.
  4. Do not drink hot liquids
  5. Do not use straws.
  6. Do not spit forcefully to avoid clot dislodging.
  7. Do not smoke.
  8. Eat only soft foods, such as soup and yogurt.
  9. Avoid lying flat, as it may cause prolonged bleeding
  10. When brushing your teeth, avoid the extraction site to prevent infection.

Pain is expected once the anesthetic wears off. The healing period takes about few days to two weeks. However, if you experience prolonged pain, bleeding, swelling, nausea, vomiting, discharge, shortness of breath, chest pain, or a fever, call your Lakewood, OH dentist immediately. Fever and chills are signs of infection and should be given prompt attention.

Infection is of great concern, so following the dentist’s instructions post-procedure is a must. Comply with the scheduled follow-up as recommended. Because missing teeth can affect your bite and make it difficult to chew, you may opt to discuss with your dentist whether you would need an implant, bridge, or denture.

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Contacting the Dentists in Lakewood, OH

Should you need to get in touch with a Lakewood, OH dentist, Advanced Dental Group is here to help. We are affiliated with highly skilled and reliable dental professionals who are ready to provide you with a comfortable dental experience. Contact us, and we’ll connect you with the best dentists in Lakewood, OH, as soon as possible.