Preparing for a Tooth Extraction
You may need a tooth extraction if you have a severely decayed, damaged, infected, or misaligned tooth. In some cases, a tooth can be saved or restored by root canal therapy. In other cases, a tooth may be beyond saving and will need to be extracted. At Smile Arts Dental, our dentist Dr. Alex Balaban will do everything he can to save your tooth. However, if you do need a tooth extraction in Carmel, IN, he will make sure the process is fast, comfortable, and pain-free. Here is what to expect before and after having a tooth extraction procedure.
Before Your Tooth Extraction
Before your tooth extraction, Dr. Balaban and his team will do a comprehensive examination. We may take dental x-rays as well as impressions of your teeth and gums. You can ask any questions, and we will go over what to expect from the procedure. We will ask you about your medical history, past procedures, and current medications. We may recommend that you stop taking certain medications that thin the blood for 48 hours prior to your procedure. We may also prescribe antibiotics and discuss your options for dental sedation.
What to Expect During the Tooth Extraction Process
You should wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment. Do not wear contact lenses, dark lipstick, perfumes or body sprays, or jewelry. We will administer dental sedation before we begin. During the procedure, Dr. Balaban will make a tiny incision in your gum tissue if necessary. He will then carefully and gently dislodge your tooth from its socket. We will then clean and disinfect the area and pack it with gauze to control bleeding. You will then wait in our recovery room for 15-20 minutes.
Recovering From a Tooth Extraction
When you go home, you should avoid strenuous activity for at least 24-48 hours. Do not swim, use a hot tub, or take a bath. Do not eat until any numbing medication has worn off. Stick to soft foods and avoid ice, caramel and nougat, gum, hard foods or candy, and taffy. Do not use a straw to drink. When lying down, keep your head elevated. Avoid drinking alcohol or using any tobacco products. Take your pain medication and antibiotics as prescribed. You can use cold or hot compresses or bags of frozen vegetables to manage swelling and pain.
Schedule a Consultation for a Tooth Extraction
If you suspect that you need to have a tooth pulled in Carmel, IN, visit us at Smile Arts Dental. Dr. Balaban and his team can determine if you need a tooth extraction, root canal, or other dental procedure or treatment. Call us today to schedule an appointment or request an appointment online.
Posted In:
Dentistry
Tooth Extratction
