At Lotus Family Dental, we understand that having a complete, natural smile is key to feeling confident in your daily life. We also know that on occasion, circumstances may arise that require a patient to receive a routine or emergency tooth extraction in order to preserve overall oral health. As your Peterborough dentist, Dr. Laura DeLuca knows that the decision to extract can be a difficult one, so she makes sure that every aspect of the procedure is as stress-free and comfortable for our patients as possible by keeping you well informed, aware of what is happening, and aware of what your choices are along the way.

When Is a Tooth Extraction Needed?

A tooth extraction is performed only after all alternatives have been considered and ruled out. Situations that may lead to an extraction include:

• Infection or risk of infection from decay (may require emergency tooth extraction)
• A tooth that is severely damaged from trauma (may require emergency tooth extraction)
• Impacted wisdom teeth (results in a wisdom tooth extraction)
• Overcrowded teeth (often requires orthodontic treatment)

What Is a Tooth Extraction?

A tooth extraction is a routine procedure for Dr. DeLuca, though in some instances, an emergency tooth extraction may be called for. The procedure includes:

• X-rays to assess the location, size, and position of the tooth to be removed to help determine the extent of the procedure
• An assessment of the anesthesia and sedation options that will best serve your needs, allowing for a pain-free, less-than-memorable experience
• The careful removal of the tooth, which often includes a bone-preserving graft

After the tooth has been removed, Dr. DeLuca will have you bite down on some gauze in order to help stop the bleeding, so that a blood clot can form.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

After your extraction, your recovery typically takes a couple of days. The following tips will help you relieve discomfort and avoid complications.

• Take pain relievers as prescribed or recommended.
• Leave gauze in place for the recommended amount of time.
• Apply ice for 10 minutes at a time to minimize swelling after the procedure.
• Avoid rinsing, sucking, or spitting for six hours after the procedure.
• After six hours, rinse your mouth with ½ teaspoon of salt and warm water.
• Do not smoke.
• Eat soft foods the day after the extraction; gradually add solid foods as the extraction site heals.
• Avoid the extraction site when brushing your teeth.

When teeth must be removed, especially ones that appear in your smile, there are a number of natural-looking, permanent tooth-replacement options, such as implants, that can give your smile a second chance.

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