Things to Know About Tooth Extraction

The thought of having a tooth extracted can feel uncomfortable and nerve-wracking for most people. In reality, tooth extraction is a routine and straightforward dental procedure. 

Dr. Saalini Velamakanni at Northeast Dental Associates in Humble, Texas, is an experienced dentist that provides various general and cosmetic dental procedures to patients of all ages, including tooth extractions. 

In this blog, you can find answers to all your questions regarding tooth extractions.

What Is Tooth Extraction and When Is It Necessary?

Tooth extraction is the process of removing a broken or damaged tooth. Once removed, it can be replaced with a crown, bridge, or implant. 

A tooth extraction procedure is necessary in the following cases:

• Dental injury caused by a sports incident or a fall
• Decay or infection that affects the tooth root
• Overcrowding teeth
• Wisdom tooth affecting the surrounding teeth and causing pain

Types of Tooth Extractions

Depending on your situation, Dr. Velamakanni will perform either a simple or surgical tooth extraction.

• Simple Extraction

A simple extraction is the removal of an easily accessible and loose tooth. For this procedure, Dr. Velamakanni will use an anesthetic to numb your jaw and minimize any discomfort during the process. 

Then, the doctor will use an elevator to dislodge the tooth from its location and forceps to pull it out.

• Surgical Extraction

A surgical extraction becomes necessary when the tooth is not easily accessible and part of the broken or damaged tooth is still in the mouth. 

For this procedure, Dr. Velamakanni will numb your gums and make a tiny incision to pull out the tooth from its socket. 

Both simple and surgical tooth extractions are swift and painless.

Do’s and Don’ts After Tooth Extraction

After the tooth extraction, Dr. Velamakanni will ask you to bite down on a piece of sterilized gauze until the bleeding stops. 

Once you head home, you should follow Dr. V’s recommendations to speed up the healing process:

• Avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously
• Do not brush around the extraction site for a few days
• Do not smoke or drink alcohol 
• Take painkillers only as prescribed 
• Apply an ice pack to numb down the pain and reduce swelling

Any slight discomfort you may feel after the effects of the anesthesia wear off will subside in a few days. If, however, the pain or bleeding continues, schedule an appointment with Dr. Velamakanni as soon as possible. 

Contact Dr. Velamakanni at Northeast Dental Associates to learn more about tooth extractions. Call (346) 477-2055 for a consultation or visit our office at 19411 Mckay Drive, Suite 150, Humble, TX, 77338 now.