Extractions are completely painless once we anesthetize the area.
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A basic extraction is used to remove teeth that are fully visible in the mouth because they have fully erupted through the gums. This is a nonsurgical extraction and involves a very simple process of loosening and removing the tooth. It takes about 3 to 4 weeks to heal from a basic extraction.
Wisdom teeth do not always need to be removed but if they are causing you problems such as tooth and jaw pain, headaches, sinus problems, damage to the surrounding teeth, tooth decay, gum disease, mouth ulcers, or infections, then they should be removed.
Wisdom teeth are also recommended for extraction if they are likely to cause issues in the future. If your wisdom teeth have fully erupted, they can be removed with a basic extraction.
It’s very common for wisdom teeth to cause issues because of a lack of space in the jaw which causes them to become impacted. If you have impacted teeth that are causing you problems or if x-rays reveal that your jaw does not have enough space to accommodate your wisdom teeth, you will need to have them surgically removed.
An incision is made into the gums so we can access the hidden tooth before loosening and removing it. Sutures will be used to close the incision and healing will take a little longer than a basic extraction.
The extraction process begins with a consultation with one of our dentists. An oral exam and x-rays will help us determine if the tooth can be saved with restorative treatment or if an extraction will be necessary.
We will inject an anesthetic to numb your mouth and offer additional sedation options if desired. Sedation will relax you and melt away any stress or anxiety you may normally feel at the dentist.
We will make an incision into the gums to gain access to the tooth. Additional underlying bone may also need to be removed if it is blocking access to the tooth. The tooth is then sectioned into smaller fragments for easier removal.
A dental elevator is used to loosen the tooth and the tooth is removed with forceps.
The gums will then be repositioned and sutured shut if any incisions were made. Your dentist will provide you with aftercare instructions.
Whether you need to replace the extracted tooth depends on its location and the condition of your surrounding teeth and gums, but most of the time the answer is “yes, an extracted tooth should be replaced.” For aesthetic and functional reasons, replacements such as dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures are often considered, especially for teeth that are visible when smiling or are important for chewing. Your dentist can provide the best recommendation based on your specific case.
If you only receive local anesthesia for the extraction, you might be able to drive yourself home. However, if you undergo sedation or general anesthesia, you will need someone else to drive you, as it can take several hours for the effects of these stronger anesthetics to wear off.
After a dental extraction, it's important to follow all aftercare instructions provided by Dr. Luminais to ensure a smooth recovery. These may include resting for 24 hours following the procedure and limiting your activities for a couple of days. You might need to take prescribed medications or use an over-the-counter pain reliever. Also, avoid rinsing or spitting forcefully for 24 hours after the extraction to avoid dislodging the clot that forms in the tooth socket. A cold pack can be used to minimize swelling, and eating soft and cool foods can be helpful. If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery, don't hesitate to call Brightly Dental at (985) 735-7653.
At Brightly Dental, your comfort and safety are our top priorities. Dr. Keith Luminais will first numb the area to lessen any discomfort you might feel during the procedure. During the extraction, you will feel pressure, but not pain. If the tooth is impacted, a small incision into your gums may be required, and it's possible that the tooth may need to be cut into smaller pieces to be removed. After the tooth is extracted, you may need stitches. Some stitches dissolve over time, and some have to be removed after a few days. Dr. Luminais will inform you whether you need to return to the dental office for a follow-up visit.
Dental extractions are procedures where a tooth is removed from its socket in the bone. There are many reasons why you might need a dental extraction. It could be due to a tooth being severely damaged from trauma or decay that it can't be repaired. In other cases, a crowded mouth might require an extraction to prepare for orthodontic treatment. Moreover, if you have a compromised immune system and a risk of infection that could affect your health, a dental extraction might be necessary. Dr. Keith Luminais at Brightly Dental in Bogalusa, LA, is highly experienced in performing dental extractions with minimal discomfort.