When your dentist tells you that you need an extraction, you feel shocked – and worried. Are tooth extractions as painful as you fear they might be? And can restorative dentistry ever fully repair your smile?
At Metropolitan Dental Care in Denver, CO, we perform tooth extractions as a last resort. Only when other treatments, like root canal therapy and crowns, have been eliminated will we consider removing your damaged tooth. Nonetheless, when we do determine that extraction is necessary, we will perform a gentle, stress-free procedure. Then our practitioners will guide you through recovery and help you choose the best restorative option.
Read on for some reassuring answers to common questions. Then contact us to schedule a consultation.
Truthfully, how painful are tooth extractions?
Truthfully, tooth extractions are not very painful at all. Your dentist will numb your tooth and the surrounding gums, so you should only feel a little pressure. If you need a surgical extraction for an impacted tooth, you may even receive sedation, so you will not fully be conscious of what is going on.
Your recovery may actually be more uncomfortable than the procedure itself. Most people will experience some inflammation and sensitivity, which can usually be controlled with over-the-counter pain medications.
How long will it take to recover?
Our dentists use a state-of-the-art diode laser for oral surgery, which seals tissues and stops bleeding as it goes. Thanks to our technology, your recovery may be shorter and easier than it would otherwise be. Typically, you will be able to return to work and your other daily activities within 2 to 4 days. Gum sensitivity may persist for a week or two, and your jawbone will not fully heal for several months.
Will I ever look the same?
It’s easy to focus on how an extraction will change your appearance – but this doesn’t have to be permanent! We offer several options to replace your teeth once they have been removed. Bridges are a traditional and reliable option. But newer dental implants are much more stable and realistic. Plus, they can prevent jawbone recession and reduce the risk of future tooth loss.
Whichever you choose, with your bridge or implant in place, no one will be able to tell that you had a tooth removed.
Do tooth extractions have any complications?
Complications can follow tooth extractions, but they are rare when you choose an experienced dentist. Infection is possible, especially if you don’t maintain good oral hygiene after your procedure. Antibiotics can usually eradicate infection, though in some severe cases, patients have required a second surgery.
Dry socket is one of the more common extraction complications. This happens when the clot of blood that seals the tooth socket breaks free. Though it will not usually have any long term effects, dry socket can be very uncomfortable. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics or an antiseptic solution to prevent subsequent infection.
Inferior dental nerve (IDN) injury can also occur, though this is more common with wisdom tooth extractions. This may cause numbness or odd sensations in the lips, teeth, cheeks, and tongue. IDN injuries happen in 0.35% to 8.4% of teeth extractions. Permanent nerve damage is very rare.
Contact Metropolitan Dental Care
Make your appointment at our Denver, CO, office today!
Book your visit online or call us at 303-534-2626.
