We can lose our teeth for various reasons, including trauma, tooth disease, or dental crowding. If you’re scheduled for tooth removal in Happy Valley, Oregon, you can expect a step-by-step process while in the dentist’s chair.
Numbing
Your dentist will inject the area surrounding the tooth and gums with an anesthetic agent to prevent any pain. They’ll then double-check that you can’t feel anything.
Extraction
Once numb, the dentist will use special tools to remove the tooth by rocking it back and forth to access the ligament. This process is painless, but you will feel a degree of pressure as they work the tooth loose.
Closing
Once removed, the hole is cleaned and packed with gauze. Depending on the tooth, the dentist may stitch the site closed. Packing minimizes bleeding and prevents debris from causing infections in the open socket.
Compression
Tooth removal results in a large hole in your jaw, so compression slows bleeding and reduces swelling. You’ll need to bite down on a piece of gauze, which will help minimize bleeding.
Post-Extraction Care
Once the troublesome tooth is gone, you must prevent infection and reduce inflammation. You’ll be prescribed pain medication and anti-inflammatories and given instructions on cleaning the tooth removal site.
Should you notice worrying signs like excessive swelling or continual bleeding, call your dentist immediately. Never take chances with your health.
