Ithaca Tooth Extraction

Feeling anxious about an upcoming tooth extraction? We understand – getting a tooth pulled is inherently stressful. You’re not only losing a part of yourself, but also undergoing an invasive procedure. Those factors are bound to bother even the calmest dental patient. And if you struggle with dental anxiety, you’re probably even more concerned about the impending appointment.

There’s good news: you don’t have to feel scared of your extraction. With a few preparatory measures, you’ll feel ready for anything. In addition to feeling better during the procedure, you’ll also have a clearer understanding of why your extraction is necessary, and how you should move forward post-treatment. It all starts with a little patient education.

Why Do I need To Have a Tooth Extracted?

The answer to this depends entirely upon your case. But we can offer a few of the most common reasons behind extractions. Prior to the procedure, Dr. Singh will discuss why an extraction is recommended for the future of your health and smile:

• Infected tooth – Decay begins at the enamel, the outermost layer of the tooth. If the cavity isn’t treated, it moves inward, eating away at the dentin. Inside the dentin is the tooth’s pulp. Once decay reaches the dental pulp, the entire tooth becomes infected, and conservative treatment is no longer an option. By extracting the tooth, you are able to start fresh.
• Severely damaged tooth – Cavities aren’t the only culprit behind compromised tooth structure. Physical damage or oral injuries may damage teeth beyond repair, requiring that the affected tooth be extracted.
• Problematic tooth – Dental problems are sometimes preventable. This is especially true in the case of teeth that aren’t developing the way they should. If a tooth is impacted, it will push against other teeth as it erupts, causing pain, damage, and a shifting bite. This is why wisdom teeth are so commonly extracted. Preventive extractions also target teeth that could act as happy homes for decay, and are difficult to clean.
• Space creation – When you’re facing orthodontic treatment, your mouth may not always be prepared. Sometimes, additional space needs to be created in order for the teeth to shift into new positions. In this case, an extraction will free up some extra room.

The Extraction Procedure

Prior to your extraction, you will receive local anesthesia so that the treatment area is numb. We will also offer dental sedation to particularly anxious patients. If you’re interested in sedation, just let our staff know before the day of your extraction (we may need to prescribe medication for you to take before you come into the office).

During the procedure, Dr. Singh may need to make a small incision so that he’s able to access the tooth (especially if it is a wisdom tooth). He will then use forceps to gently loosen the tooth from its socket. The tooth will then be pulled from your jaw. You will not feel pain – just some pressure. If necessary, Dr. Singh will stitch up the area to protect it.

Understanding Your Dental Extraction Aftercare

Tompkins Dental’s staff will give you specific instructions post-extraction. It’s vital that you follow these, so that the treatment site stays clean and infection-free. Different teeth will demand longer or shorter healing times. Be careful eating and drinking, and be sure to clean the surgical site thoroughly (but gently).

Restoring Missing Teeth

After you’ve had an extraction, you may need to pursue a dental restoration to replace the missing tooth. Dr. Singh will discuss your potential for a dental crown, implant, bridge, or partial. By replacing the missing tooth, you prevent further issues from taking hold.

Have an extraction question we didn’t answer? Simply get in touch.