At Bass Dentistry, we do all we can to avoid tooth extractions, but sometimes it is the best form of treatment.
An extraction can be necessary if a patient is experiencing painful or severe tooth decay, gum disease, a non-restorable broken tooth, or to make room in the mouth for orthodontic treatment.
Whatever your need is for an extraction in Gastonia, NC, we will guide you through what an extraction is, what precautions you need to take after a tooth extraction, how long it takes to heal and costs!
What is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is an outpatient procedure that involves the removal of a tooth from the jaw bone. Although it can sound unpleasant, having a tooth extraction is usually the best course of treatment for maintaining excellent dental health when certain issues arise.
The reasons for getting a tooth extracted are widespread and vary from person to person. The most common reasons for extraction are:
- Getting teeth pulled for braces. Sometimes orthodontic patients need teeth removed to create room for their teeth to be straightened.
- Removing wisdom teeth or making room for wisdom teeth.
- Removing wisdom teeth. Often, there is not adequate room for the wisdom teeth to erupt and function properly. When this is the case, the dentist may recommend you have your wisdom teeth removed to prevent future problems.
- Getting rid of severely damaged or decayed teeth. Occasionally, when decay or infection is so extensive that there is not enough supporting tooth structure or bone support remaining, the best treatment is to remove the tooth.d
What to Eat After a Tooth Extraction?
After an extraction, the types of foods you eat should be chosen with care. Soft foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, Jell-O, or ice cream are all safe choices. Drinking from a straw may be tempting as well, but don’t do it! The suction caused in the mouth when drinking from a straw can cause a major complication called a dry socket and lengthen your recovery time.
It is also advisable to chew on the opposite side of your mouth than where the tooth was removed to prevent pain and damage to the extraction site.
Since it will be difficult to chew harder foods for the first couple of days after an extraction, steer clear of hard, crunchy, or brittle foods. Alcoholic beverages should be avoided as well, as they may not mix well with certain medications.
Since most cuts of meat will be difficult to chew, try getting your protein from beans and dairy products!
Normal Healing After A Tooth Extraction?
With a tooth extraction, it can sometimes look worse before it gets better! Not to worry, if you experience the process below, it means your tooth extraction site is right on track for proper healing.
- In the first 24 hours, expect to see a blood clot form at the site. It can sometimes be a little uncomfortable but rest assured it is normal. You will also experience some mild bleeding and swelling.
- Take care not to disturb the blood clot. Do not brush or suck through a straw (read more about dry socket here).
- After about three days, the swelling will go down and the gums will start to close around the tooth extraction site. When cared for properly, mouths tend to heal quicker.
- Approximately 7-10 days later, the site should be almost completely closed! At this point, your gums should no longer be tender or swollen.
What should a Tooth extraction look like when healing?
The “White Stuff” Explained
If you have had a tooth extracted in the past, you may have come across some “tooth extraction healing white stuff.” No worries! This “white stuff” is just granulation tissue made up of blood vessels, collagen, and white blood cells. It’s a natural part of the body’s healing process!
However, if there is extreme pain associated with this “white stuff” 2-3 days after an extraction, call your doctor immediately as this could be a sign of infection. If you are only experiencing mild discomfort, your teeth are simply scabbing and healing from the extraction.
What You Need to Know About the Blood Clot
What does a blood clot look like after tooth extraction? A blood clot after a tooth extraction looks like a pillow of blood. This is a necessary step in the healing process because the blood clot protects the bone during the healing process.
How long does pain last after tooth extraction?
Tooth extractions and pain tolerance will all vary. Speaking very generally, the pain of a tooth extraction should only last between 24 and 48 hours! If your pain is very severe and lasts longer than this, please consult your doctor right away.
THe Average cost of tooth extraction?
If you have a tooth extraction, the cost can depend on your insurance coverage. Without dental insurance, your costs can range from $220-$350, plus fees of evaluation and X-rays.
At Bass Dentistry, we have membership plans that assist individuals without dental insurance with costs they may incur. They are very affordable and are a great way to see the dentist regularly without the high cost.
Bass Dentistry is happy to serve patients in Gastonia, NC with any tooth extraction needs! We will go through the procedure step by step, discuss options, and review insurance or membership plans with you.
We want to provide you with the best service and course of treatment available! Book an appointment with us today to go over the options for your tooth extraction.
Healthy Gums,
Healthy Life
If dental health is important to you and your family, take steps to know how to keep your gums healthy. Gum health is essential to maintaining healthy teeth and overall good dental hygiene. Brush and floss multiple times per day, avoid tobacco products, and use a therapeutic mouthwash.
If you want to know more about maintaining a healthy smile, book an appointment today with Bass Dentistry.
