A tooth extraction is a simple, routine dental procedure we can usually complete in the office. Whether you can drive after a tooth extraction depends on whether you received dental sedation during your procedure.
You can drive home if you only received local anesthesia or nitrous oxide. However, you may prefer to ask a trusted friend or family member to drive you. If you received conscious oral sedation, you must not drive or operate machinery for the following 24 hours.
Benefits of Tooth Extraction
Lower Risk of Future Issues
If your problem tooth comes out, you will have a lower chance of future dental complications. Extracting the tooth before it causes a severe problem can save you time and trouble.
Relief from Discomfort
Many people who have teeth extracted need relief from discomfort. A painful tooth that procedures like root canals or fillings can’t save often needs removal.
Stopping Infections
When you remove an infected tooth, the infection will not continue to spread to other teeth and worsen your oral health.
Allowing Orthodontic Work to Take Place
Occasionally, dentists must pull healthy teeth to allow orthodontic work to go forward. This situation may happen when a child has extra teeth or crowded teeth. These extractions receive careful consideration before the dentist performs them.
Preparing for Dentures, Bridges, or Implants
A compromised tooth must often make way for a new restoration. If a tooth breaks or becomes decayed to the point where the dentist cannot save it, they recommend replacing it with an implant, bridge, or denture.
The Tooth Extraction Process
We can perform most tooth extractions in our office, eliminating your need to find a specialist. The first step is administering any sedative medication you may need. We offer conscious oral sedation or nitrous oxide sedation. Many patients do not need sedation for extractions, preferring to use local anesthesia alone. Sedation may be a great option if you have multiple teeth to extract or have difficulty sitting still.
We use an instrument called an elevator to loosen the tooth gently. When the tooth feels loose enough, the dentist will use forceps to remove it.
After the extraction, you may need a few stitches, or your gum may be able to heal on its own.
Recovery from Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction generally requires a few days’ recovery time. Follow our post-operative instructions carefully, including taking any medications we prescribe, and try not to overdo it in the days following your procedure. Resting produces the best conditions for healing.
Call Suwanee Family Dentistry
If you have a tooth causing discomfort, you may benefit from an extraction. Tooth extractions may seem intimidating, but our expert dentists can make the process as comfortable as possible. Please call us at 678-714-2380 to schedule an appointment for an evaluation.