Extractions
Extractions in New Britain, PA
While no one ever wants to have a tooth pulled, sometimes, extractions are impossible to avoid. These necessary procedures may have to be performed for several reasons, and extraction can sound intimidating. However, when you trust Bucks County Dental Associates with your extraction in New Britain, you get the best of attention to your oral health and comfort. We take care of you from evaluation to aftercare.
What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction Procedure
Tooth extraction may sound scary, but these procedures are performed daily without problems. At our office, we take all the extra steps to keep patients as comfortable as possible before, during, and after the extraction. The process can involve the following steps:
- A thorough evaluation and x-ray to assess the tooth
- A visual inspection of the tooth
- Application of topical numbing agent to the gums
- Injection of local anesthetic medications to numb the area
- Extraction using special tools to minimize trauma to the area
In some cases, the dentist may place tiny sutures into the gums after the tooth is removed. And, a gauze pad will be placed in your mouth and you will be told to hold pressure against the extraction site to minimize bleeding.
Aftercare Following an Extraction
When you leave the office after tooth extraction, you will likely still have low sensitivity levels due to the local anesthetic used. As time passes, your sensations will return, and you may have a bit of swelling and discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers are typically enough to manage any pain you experience. Some bleeding is normal. However, the bleeding should stop soon after extraction as a clot forms over the opening in your gums.
While each patient’s experience can be unique, general aftercare instructions to keep in mind include:
- Gently wash your mouth with warm water if needed
- Avoid using a straw, smoking, and vaping
- Try to eat soft foods that are easy to chew
- Contact our office if the bleeding doesn’t stop within 24 hours
When Should a Tooth Be Pulled?
Dentists don’t recommend a tooth extraction unless the procedure is wholly necessary. However, there are situations when a tooth must be taken out of the jawline to protect your oral health or even your overall health. The dentist may recommend that you have a tooth pulled if:
- The tooth has deteriorated due to decay to a point that it cannot be repaired or restored
- The tooth is growing in a way that is impacting other teeth
- The tooth is loose due to periodontal disease or bone loss
- The tooth has sustained substantial damage due to an impact or injury
- The tooth is causing problems with your bite or bite alignment
Before the extraction is performed, the dentist will take steps to fully examine the tooth’s structure and ensure it must be extracted.
Schedule an Appointment with a New Britain Dentist to Help
If you have a problematic tooth you suspect needs to be pulled, it is important to have the tooth evaluated as soon as possible. At Bucks County Dental Associates, we’re here to help with innovative treatment technologies and true compassion for our patients. Reach out to the team to schedule an appointment or with questions about our services.