Extractions
You and Dr. Burns may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons.
Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired.
Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.
The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health. To avoid these complications, in most cases, Dr. Burns will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth.
The Extraction Process
At the time of extraction the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jaw bone and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic.
During the extraction process you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.
You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected. If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away.
Do You Need a Tooth Extraction?
Dr. Burns can extract teeth to improve your oral health, relieve pain, or in preparation for orthodontic treatment. Contact us to learn more.
Sectioning a tooth
Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. The doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections then removes each section one at a time.
After Tooth Extraction
- After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. Bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes immediately after the appointment.
- If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times to staunch the flow of blood.
- After the blood clot forms it is important to not disturb or dislodge the clot. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities may dislodge or dissolve the clot and hinder the healing process.
- Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours, as this increases blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.
- After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
- Use pain medication as directed. Call our office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working.
- If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone.
- Drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious, soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.
- It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
After a few days you should feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately.
Robert L. Burns, DMD
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. burns thank you so much for taking care of me. Your staff is amazing I felt so comfortable . Hannah was super sweet throughout the whole process. I will definitely recommend you.
- Rhonda C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
What a dynamic and fulfilling experience. I have had a childhood negative opinion of dentists for all my life......this MAN changed that 360 degrees. So did the staff......I was never treated so nobly.....as I was the most important person in the place. I am an AMERICAN disabled Veteran, Vietnam 68-69, and would tell anyone that this was the BEST surgical procedure I ever experienced.
- alan m
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everything, from the office decor, the friendliness and help provided by the staff and of course, the professionalism of Dr. Burns, helped to minimize my anxiety. Hannah went WAY beyond my expectations to help me through the miasma of insurance referrals, pre-authorization, estimates and other important details. The care before, during and after the extractions was excellent. Thank you very much, Dr. Burns and staff!
- Margey L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have been putting off a visit to the dentist for years (about 15). You could imagine the damage I have due to not going and keeping up with regular check ups and cleanings. I got to the point of facing my fear of the dentist, which gave me great anxiety unfortunately, and making an appointment. I had to have 3 teeth extracted. I was recommended Dr. Burns and his staff. That this is a friendly, clean and relaxing environment. When I had called I had many questions. You sometimes come across people that don't have time for your questions and rush you. Or give you a feeling like they don't care about your concerns or some type of negative tone in their voice. I had talked to a young lady, Hannah. What help! She was very sweet. Answered all the questions (and I had many) with no signs of rushing. I even apologized for asking so many and she told me that was her job and she loved helping. Thank you Hannah. You made this a bit easier to walk through the doors. You are the first person people talk to when making an appointment and your kindness does a lot for business. The office was clean and relaxing. I didn't wait long at all. Because of my anxiety I was hoping it would of taken forever till they called me in. Haha. To the point, Dr. Burns was very nice. Asked me if I was ok. He was QUICK! I felt very foolish after all the anxiety. I spent more time waiting for the general anesthetic to kick in then the actual extractions. Thank you to the Dr. and Staff. I will recommend this office to anyone. Ill be seeing you guys soon!
- Michelle C