Having a nice looking smile is important to most people. Getting regular dental care can help to keep your smile looking it’s best. However, sometimes even with the best efforts of the dentist, Tooth Extractions in Billings MT are necessary.
Reasons for Extractions
Wisdom teeth are the ones most often extracted, as they can become impacted, infected, or decayed. Sometimes, there isn’t enough space for them in the mouth. Other teeth are also extracted for similar reasons. For example, Tooth Extractions in Billings MT could take place because baby teeth don’t fall out on their own, teeth need to be removed to make room for other teeth coming in, or the teeth are too damaged due to cavities or injuries to be saved.
The Process
The dentist will take x-rays to determine the best way to extract the tooth. He may also prescribe antibiotics, especially if you have a specific medical condition, such as a weakened immune system. Depending on the difficulty of the extraction, either the area around the tooth will be numbed or the dentist will use a general anesthesia. Relatively simple extractions involve loosening the tooth with a device called an elevator and then pulling it out with a forceps, while more complicated extractions are usually done surgically. In this case, small incisions are made around the tooth to help remove the tooth and any broken parts of the tooth. Because of the local or general anesthetic, it shouldn’t be painful to have the tooth removed, although there will most likely be some pain once the anesthetic wears off.
Aftercare
After the extraction, you’ll most likely need to bite down on gauze for up to 30 minutes to help stop the bleeding and allow the blood to clot in the opening. There may be some bleeding for up to 24 hours. If you feel a lot of pain, take over-the-counter pain relievers or, in some cases, the doctor will prescribe stronger pain medication. Avoid using a straw, spitting, and smoking for about three days. Use ice packs on the face if there’s swelling, and eat cool and soft foods for the first few days after the extraction.
Click Here for more information. Spencer Zaugg Family & Implant Dentistry offers a wide variety of dental services, including oral surgery, implants, and extractions.
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