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The thought of having a tooth pulled can be alarming for some, here we strive to ensure patients are completely comfortable. Icy Dental was built with our patients in mind. We combine cutting-edge dental technology with a team that truly cares about you, a relaxing environment, and amenities that delight. We are committed to providing you with oral health care to give your teeth optimal form and function over a lifetime. Enjoy a personalized appointment with our team in East Lansing. We welcome new patients of all ages. Dr. Boyd Yu is committed to helping you keep your teeth in optimal form and function over a lifetime. Trust Icy Dental for safe and gentle Tooth Extractions in East Lansing, MI. Experienced care for a comfortable dental experience. Call today or book an appointment online.
Do I need an extraction?
Both you and Dr. Yu may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed while others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment. The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health. To avoid these complications, in most cases, Dr. Yu will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth.
What happens during a tooth extraction?
At the time of extraction the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jawbone and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic. During the extraction process you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal. You may feel pressure, but there should not be any pain. Some areas may also be difficult to numb and will require additional anesthetic. Areas with significant infection may block the local anesthetic from working. If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away.
What is a surgical extraction?
Some teeth require sectioning or bone removal. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. When a tooth is sectioned, doctor simply cuts the tooth into separate roots then removes each root one at a time. Sometimes a tooth is so far gone, there is simply nothing to hold on to. In cases such as these, some bone may be removed from underneath the gums in order to remove any remaining tooth that may harbor infection.
How do I care for myself after the extraction?
After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. Bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes immediately after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times to staunch the flow of blood. After the blood clot forms it is important to not disturb or dislodge the clot. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities may dislodge or dissolve the clot and hinder the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise or strenuous work for the next 24 hours, as this increases blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site. After the tooth is extracted, you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will help to keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours. Call our office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious, soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable. It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean. After a few days you should feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately.
Need a tooth extraction? Look no further! Icy Dental serves the Greater Lansing Area including East Lansing, Lansing, Okemos, Meridian Charter Township, Bath Township, Holt, and beyond. Contact us for more details or schedule your appointment today!