Tooth Extractions – Madisonville LA

You and Dr. Vo may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may 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 and shifting of teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.

To avoid these complications, in most cases, Dr. Vo will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth.

Call us at Madisonville Office Phone Number 985-845-3211 if you have any questions or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Vo today!

The Extraction Process

At the time of extraction the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jaw bone 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 feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected.

If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away.

Anterior Baby Teeth Replacement

Early tooth loss in the front baby teeth can be a result of traumatic loss or extraction of broken down, cavitated, and/or infected teeth. Anterior tooth loss does not result in space loss if the baby cuspids are erupted and does not interfere with the child’s ability to eat. It may interfere with speech if teeth loss occurs before speech development is complete. The most valid reason to replace anterior teeth is for aesthetics as lack of teeth may harm the patient’s self image. Anterior baby teeth replacement can be accomplished with a cemented appliance called a “pedo partial”, which is a simple and effective replacement. Orthodontic bands are fitted on the back molars and an impression is taken and sent to the lab with the fitted bands. Primary denture teeth are available to fabricate a natural looking replacement.

Posterior Baby Teeth and Space Loss

Early loss of a posterior baby tooth can result from infection and/or extensive decay. This can result in shifting of the tooth behind the extraction space due to the eruption of the first permanent molar. The lack of space that occurs from the shifting prevents eruption of the successive permanent tooth into its proper position. To maintain the space and allow normal eruption of the permanent tooth, a space maintainer is placed. Depending on the location of the extraction site there are a variety of space maintainers from which to choose. Space maintainers are left in place until eruption of the permanent teeth.

After Tooth 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 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 keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.

Use pain medication as directed. 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.

Call us at Madisonville Office Phone Number 985-845-3211 if you have any questions or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Vo today!