The Truth About Tooth Extractions

If you have been told that you have to have a tooth pulled, then you may be nervous, and you'll of course want to know just what to expect. This article will give you an idea of what you can expect during and after you have the tooth pulled. Of course, you want to keep in mind that there are many things that can occur that would make your experience different than the experiences of someone else.

When you go in to have your tooth pulled

When you go in to the dentist to have your tooth pulled, they will begin by making sure you are numbed up. They generally do this by giving you some shots in your gums. They use a topical anesthetic first, and this numbs the gums in preparation for the shot. Sometimes they will use a gas you will breathe in instead. If you go this route, then you aren't going to remember having your tooth pulled and you will be out of it for a while. Expect to say some funny things afterward.

They will then use their tools to pull your tooth out. Sometimes this part is very easy and quick, with them just pulling it out, and sometimes they need to take the tooth out in a few pieces. Many people report that the worst part of this is the noise their tooth makes when it's being pulled.

Once the tooth is out, the dentist will pack gauze in your mouth, and they will also send you home with more gauze. You will be given instructions for swapping out the gauze and taking care of the extraction in general. Always make sure you follow the instructions so you can avoid problems.

You will be sent home with medications to help with the pain and to prevent you from ending up with an infection. Be sure you take the medications according to the instructions, and take them for the length of time dictated by the dentist.

Getting a tooth replacement

You'll have a few different options available to you when it comes to replacing the tooth you had pulled. You may be able to get a dental implant. An implant is a replacement tooth that gets fused to your jawbone, making it the closest thing to a real tooth. You may also be able to get a dental bridge. A dental bridge will use nearby teeth as anchor teeth, and the bridge will include a prosthetic tooth that's positioned over the empty space. You may also be able to go with a partial denture. Although a denture may not be the way you wanted to go, they will give you a replacement tooth that's fully functioning, and they tend to be more affordable.

For more information, contact a dental office like Alliance Family Dental.


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