Tooth Extractions Tempe AZ
At Tempe Family Dental we make the process as easy to understand, comfortable, and painless as possible. Our experienced dentists, Dr. Chase Davis and Dr. Wayne LeSueur, are able to extract teeth quickly and painlessly.
If you have a medically recommended extraction on your treatment plan, contact Tempe Family Dental for a gentle, comfortable procedure. Call our Tempe, AZ dental practice at 480-838-3103 for more information.
What to Expect During an Extraction
Simple extractions are performed on teeth that sit above the gum line and can easily be accessed by the dentist. For this type of extraction, you will be given an anesthetic, such as novocaine, to ensure you do not feel any pain in your tooth or jaw. Since you will be awake for the process, you will notice a sensation of movement, as Dr. Davis or Dr LeSueur remove the tooth, but it shouldn't hurt. We use gentle pressure and move the tooth side-to-side, until it becomes loose enough to come out of the socket. The process will not take long, only a few minutes at most. If you have been suffering from an infection or toothache in the extracted tooth, you can look forward to the pain being immediately gone.
Surgical extractions must be performed on teeth that are not easy to access, either because they have not yet erupted through the gums (such as with wisdom teeth) or are only partially erupted. This type of extraction usually takes place under anesthesia, as it requires surgical incisions to access the tooth. See our page on wisdom teeth, to learn more about the process for removing unerupted teeth.
Replacing Your Extracted Tooth
After your problem tooth has been removed, your dentist will discuss options for replacing the function and appearance of the tooth. If the teeth around the missing tooth are healthy, a dental crown may be good option, as might a dental implant. If multiple teeth are missing, or if gum disease is pervasive, a partial denture may be constructed. Dental implant dentures and partials are a superior option to traditional dentures, and we always encourage our patients toward dental implants whenever possible.
Post Operative Instructions
Having a tooth removed is no fun, but it is often a relief to have the pain and procedure behind you. We will provide written and verbal instructions when you leave the office, so please be sure to ask us if you have any questions.
After your extraction, it's important that you take it easy and relax, and do as little as possible. The greater your activity, the greater the chance of disturbing the blood clot that will form in your socket, which is necessary for healing. Try to go as long as possible without spitting, sucking through a straw, or using your mouth in general. Smoking or using electronic vaporizers (e-cigarettes) will also hinder your healing. If an upper tooth was extracted, avoid closing your mouth if you need to sneeze.
Specifically, bite down on the gauze until you get home, as this will help the clotting process. If bleeding is still occurring after an hour has passed, place more gauze and bite down firmly for 20-30 minutes. Biting on a tea bag can also help stop the bleeding.
An ice pack on your cheek can also help decrease swelling. Apply ice for 20 minutes, followed by 20 minutes without ice. You can continue using ice as needed, but after 48 hours switching to heat will help relax the muscles.
Post Operative Medications
Most patients are able to manage their pain by taking over the counter ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, etc). For adults, 600 mg (3 pills) of ibuprofen every 6 hours is the recommended dosage. Ibuprofen helps reduce swelling and is believed to be more effective at controlling this type of pain than tylenol, aspirin, or naproxen. We may also prescribe a stronger pain medication to help get a good night's sleep. If an antibiotic is prescribed, take the medication until it’s gone. If you have concerns or questions please call us immediately.
If you have any questions about your extraction in Tempe, AZ please call us at 480-838-3103. We are here for you!
