Patients who have damaged, infected, or overcrowded teeth benefit from a tooth extraction. Many patients may fear this procedure because they think it will be overly painful. However, we use anesthesia for a pain-free procedure. We treat patients with care so that they feel comfortable through every step of their treatment.
New Bern, NC, dentist Dr. Stephen Hoard provides tooth extractions to help patients get healthier and more balanced smiles. If you think you need a tooth extraction, contact our New Bern, NC, dental office for a consultation with Dr. Stephen Hoard. He provides tooth extractions as a general dentistry service to patients in New Bern.
The Tooth Extraction Procedure
Dr. Hoard uses a general anesthetic to numb the treated area for pain-free treatment. If you have an impacted tooth, he may need to cut the gum and bone tissue that covers the tooth. After the tooth is loosened and extracted, Dr. Hoard will pad the socket with gauze. You may require stitches to close the gum over the extraction site, but this depends on the size of the opening.
Before extraction, Dr. Hoard will assess your dental health and determine if this treatment option is right for you. There are several health issues that may put you at further risk, including heart and liver disease, artificial joints, and an impaired immune system. Please let Dr. Hoard know if you have any of these conditions.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Patients typically require several days to recover following the tooth extraction procedure. Because you will experience some discomfort after treatment, Dr. Hoard can prescribe painkillers as well as provide you with aftercare instructions for a swift recovery.
Follow these tips after your treatment for the best possible results:
- Do not drink from a straw for 24 hours
- Do not smoke
- Eat soft foods only
- Avoid rinsing or spitting for 24 hours after the extraction
- Rinse your mouth with salt and warm water solution after 24 hours
- Change gauze pads frequently
- Apply ice to your jaw to help keep down the swelling
- Brush and floss your teeth but avoid the extraction area
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Is a tooth extraction a lengthy process?
From start to finish, it can take anywhere from 20-40 minutes to extract a single tooth. should other teeth need extracting, it’s a good rule of thumb to add an additional 5-10 minutes per tooth, depending on its location.
Is tooth extraction painful?
No. Patients undergo a local anesthetic to numb all possible pain during the tooth extraction process. However, if you begin to experience pain, it’s best to let your dentist know immediately.
What can I eat after having a tooth extraction procedure?
It’s best to stick to soft foods for the 24 hours following a tooth extraction. Dr. Hoard and the team at New Bern Smiles will provide you with all the necessary and recommended guidelines regarding what you should and shouldn’t eat.
How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
The recovery time after tooth extraction can vary depending on the case’s complexity. For instance, the recovery time for a simple extraction could differ from that of a surgical extraction. However, most patients will start to feel normal within a few days. You can typically return to your routine activities within 48 to 72 hours. The jawbone, however, usually takes several weeks to heal completely, especially from a surgical extraction. Lastly, it’s crucial to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to help ensure a smooth recovery.
How long can you delay wisdom tooth extraction?
The timing of a wisdom tooth extraction depends on the individual case. If your wisdom teeth are impacted or causing discomfort, infection, or crowding, it’s usually best to have the dentist remove than sooner than later. Delaying extraction could potentially lead to problems, such as cysts, gum disease, and damage to neighboring teeth. However, if your wisdom teeth are not causing issues and your dentist agrees, it might be possible to delay extraction. Regular check-ups are essential to monitor the condition of these teeth.
Can I wear my retainer after tooth extraction?
Dentists usually do not recommend wearing a retainer immediately after tooth extraction. This could interfere with the healing process and cause discomfort. However, the specifics can vary depending on the extraction location and the type of retainer you have. Talk to your dentist or orthodontist about your situation. You should wait at least 24 hours to resume wearing your retainer. Every case is unique, so always follow your dentist’s advice.
Learn More
If you have any remaining questions about the tooth extraction procedure or would like to request a consultation with Dr. Hoard, you can call (252) 507-0373 or schedule an appointment online.
In most cases, the recommended treatment is to preserve the natural teeth. There are situations, however, where a tooth extraction may be the best choice. In these cases, Dr. Hoard will design a treatment plan to remove the tooth and replace it either with a dental implant, dental bridge or denture. It is important to replace missing teeth quickly to prevent supporting bone from deteriorating and remaining teeth from shifting.