Tooth Extraction Seattle, WA ![]() When Is It Necessary to Get Your Tooth Extracted?Your tooth may be extracted for any number of reasons:
Types of Tooth ExtractionThere are two types of tooth extraction procedures: simple extraction and surgical extraction. The type of tooth extraction depends on the location, shape, and size of your tooth. Simple ExtractionDuring a simple extraction, you will typically only be given a local anesthesia to numb the surrounding area of your tooth. We will then use a tool known as an elevator to loosen your tooth and then pull it out with the help of dental forceps. During a simple extraction, you will feel pressure from having your tooth pulled, but no pain. After the procedure, it will take a couple of hours for the anesthesia to wear off. You may feel a slight soreness at this point, though this can be managed with OTC painkillers and will disappear in a couple of days. Surgical ExtractionA surgical extraction is usually performed on impacted wisdom teeth or damaged teeth that do not have a lot of structure left. During a surgical extraction, we may administer a sedation option as well as local anesthesia to calm your anxiety. We will make a small incision in your gums to expose the underlying bone. We may remove some bone supporting the tissue and split your tooth into two or more parts so that it can be easily extracted. Once it is removed, we will suture the wound closed. Since surgical extraction is more complex than simple extraction, it will take longer for you to heal. There may be some pain once the anesthesia wears off, though it can easily be managed with painkillers. It may take a week for the pain to disappear completely and a few weeks for the wound to close entirely. Tooth Extraction After CareIt typically takes a few days for a person to recover from a tooth extraction. To avoid any complications and make yourself more comfortable, here are a few things you should do:
Tooth extraction is an extremely common and simple procedure and most people recover from it without issues. However, if you are experiencing pain, increased inflammation and bleeding, pus drainage from the surgical site, and fever, this may be a sign of a complication or infection. In this case, make an urgent appointment with us by calling us at (206)284-4505 so that we can determine the cause of the discomfort and treat it immediately. |
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