Tooth Extractions in Yarmouth ME

While most of us will take every precaution to ensure we have strong, healthy teeth, sometimes things happen that cause damage anyway. Neglecting dental hygiene, sporting mishaps, and even faulty genetics can cause issues with your teeth. If your dentist decides a tooth extraction in Yarmouth ME is the best course of action, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

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Protecting Your Smile by Removing Problematic Teeth in Yarmouth ME

It’s not always possible to salvage a damaged or decayed tooth (although we will always consider all of the available restorative dentistry options before we make that decision). If our team at Forest Falls Dental determines that your tooth needs to be extracted, we will make sure that you’re aware of the reasons why, and we will plan the procedure carefully so that you don’t have to worry about discomfort. We’ll also let you know what tooth replacement options are available and help you explore the pros and cons of each one so that you can make a decision that’s right for your oral health. If you think you may need to have a tooth extraction in Yarmouth soon, we invite you to call us to learn more about the procedure.

Why Choose Forest Falls Dental for Tooth Extractions?

• Nitrous Oxide and Oral Conscious Sedation Offered
• Dental Insurance Accepted
• Team That Puts Patients First

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When Are Tooth Extractions Necessary?

Our team will always save tooth extraction as a last resort for protecting the overall health of your smile. We may have no choice but to remove one or multiple teeth in the following situations:

• The tooth in question is damaged or decayed so badly that restoring it is no longer possible.
• You need orthodontic treatment, but the teeth are too crowded together to make the necessary movements.
• You are getting full dentures but still have teeth in the arch being replaced.
• The tooth in question is loose due to gum disease.

Additionally, your child might need to have a baby tooth extracted if said tooth does not fall out when it’s supposed to.

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Anesthesia Used For Tooth Extractions in Yarmouth ME

Unless it is a comprehensive wisdom tooth extraction procedure, most tooth extractions will typically use a local anesthetic which will numb a specific area of your mouth for a few hours. This numb sensation should eventually wear off, and normal sensitivity will return. If it doesn’t, you should contact your dentist.

While still under the effect of the anesthesia, you should try not to move your mouth, or to bite on anything. You will not be able to feel it should you bite your tongue or cheek until the freezing wears off.  Depending on the circumstances, your dentist may prescribe a painkiller to help with the discomfort you may experience after the extraction.

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Bleeding

Depending on the extent of the work, your Yarmouth ME dentist may put a gauze covering on top of the extraction to protect the blood clot. It’s important at this early stage to simply let the gauze do its work to apply some pressure and gently cover the extracted area. There will still be some bleeding shortly after the extraction, but this will gradually stop, as the clotting process gets underway.

If you are given a gauze pack to keep in your mouth after the visit, you should continue to use it for 30-45 minutes after the visit. After that, carefully remove it, and replace it with another gauze pack of for another 30-45 minutes. You should keep doing this until the bleeding stops. Don’t confuse a little bit of blood mixed in with saliva for a serious flow of blood. However, if the bleeding hasn’t stopped after a few hours, you should contact your dentist.

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The First 24 Hours After A Tooth Extraction

While the clot is covering the extraction area and solidifying, you should do as little as possible to disturb it. Otherwise, you will be slowing down your own healing process. Strenuous activity should be avoided during this period.

Contrary to what you may believe, you should also avoid drinking with a straw. Using a straw will create suction in your mouth which may cause you to start bleeding again. Avoid rinsing your mouth, and stay away from alcoholic beverages or mouthwash as these will be extremely painful when they make contact. Do not smoke, as this will slow down the healing process.

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Even though it’s not a major medical procedure, you should take care of yourself after tooth extraction. Take it easy to give yourself the best possible chance of healing quickly. Rinse the mouth gently to clean it, and don’t brush the affected area. Our team at Forest Falls Dental is here to help.