Tooth Extractions
While it’s always our goal to care for and maintain your natural teeth, there are cases when removing a tooth is in your best interest. We work to make extractions as easy as possible so you can concentrate on a quick recovery.
The Process of Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is the process of removing one or more teeth, like your wisdom teeth, from the jawbone socket. The procedure is performed under anesthesia to ensure your comfort, and it usually takes a short time.
After a tooth extraction, the recovery period is crucial to ensure proper healing. It is important to control bleeding and encourage the formation of a blood clot immediately following the extraction. This can be achieved by biting down on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes to form a blood clot.
It is crucial not to disturb the blood clot for the next 24 hours, as this can result in a painful condition known as dry socket. An ice pack can be applied to the outer cheek immediately after the procedure to manage swelling. Once the swelling has gone down, a warm compress to the same area can provide comfort.
Gentle rinses with warm salt water can be performed to keep the extraction area clean. It is essential to avoid smoking, spitting, or using a straw for the first 24 hours after the procedure, as these actions can dislodge the blood clot and delay the healing process.
Tooth extraction is a safe and routine procedure, and proper aftercare can help ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.
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How much does a tooth extraction cost?
We aim to provide high-quality dental care that’s affordable for our patients in Chelmsford, MA. Tooth extraction cost varies based on the whether it’s a simple extraction or a surgical extraction. Out of pocket cost for any procedure depends on your insurance coverage at the time of the procedure.
- Tooth Extractions: $231-$387
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How to prevent dry socket after tooth extraction
When you have a tooth extracted, a blood clot develops shortly after the surgery, which is your body beginning the healing process. If this blood clot becomes dislodged before your mouth has fully healed it can cause pain, this is called dry socket.
Six tips for avoiding dry socket:
- Avoid straws or anything that creates a suction or large movement of air.
- Avoid smoking tobacco as the fast inhalation can dislodge your blood clot and the chemicals may prevent healing or cause an infection.
- Eat soft foods only like applesauce, yogurt and mashed potatoes for the first one or two days.
- Inquire about any medicines you’re taking to ensure they don’t interact with the healing process.
- Use proper oral hygiene to keep your mouth clean and consider an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on proper oral care to improve recovery time.
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When and why are wisdom teeth removed?
Wisdom teeth are the very last teeth to develop, and they grow in the very back of the mouth. In most cases, you will start to feel these teeth emerge when you are in your late teens or early twenties. Almost everyone has these teeth removed since they tend to grow at a severely slanted angle and will likely bump into other teeth and cause crowding. These is also very little space available for these teeth. Ultimately, about 85% of adults end up having their wisdom teeth removed.
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What causes the need for tooth extraction?
Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. Teeth extraction usually occurs when a tooth has been broken or damaged by decay and there is too much damage for the tooth to be repaired by a filling or crown.
However, there are other reasons for tooth extraction including, extra teeth growing in that are blocking others, baby teeth that haven’t fallen out in time for the permanent teeth to come in, braces, wisdom teeth that are commonly removed or medical reasons.
What are you waiting for?
At Drum Hill Dental, we believe in providing the best dental care at the most affordable prices. Make your next appointment using our easy online scheduling tool, contact our office if you have any questions, or explore all of the dental services we provide.
