If decay has reached too deeply into one of your teeth or if an infection has damaged too much of the supporting bone or tissue, you will be in need of a tooth extraction. You may also need one if one of your teeth does not enough room in the mouth. When teeth are impacted, it can cause damage to the roots of nearby teeth, so they must be removed before damage is done. At Alta Loma Dental Care, Dr. Michael Kim can help you restore your oral health by performing tooth extractions.
Before the procedure is performed, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area around the extraction site. During a simple extraction, the tooth is loosened with an elevator and then extracted with forceps. Once removed, Dr. Kim may choose to smooth and contour the underlying bone. Then the gums are sutured.
After the extraction, it is critical to keep the area clean to prevent infection. A dry, sterile gauze will be placed over the gums to limit bleeding. You must make sure to keep it in place for 30 to 45 minutes while the blood clots. During the 24 hours after the procedure, you should not smoke, rinse your mouth vigorously or clean the teeth immediately adjacent to the extraction site. Strenuous activity, hot liquids and straw drinking should also be avoided. A certain amount of pain and discomfort accompanies an extraction, so a painkiller may be prescribed.
If you are suffering pain from decay, infection or impaction, Dr. Kim can determine if a tooth extraction is required to save your smile. Schedule an appointment at our practice in Alta Loma, CA by calling (909) 987-6268. For more information, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com.
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