Tooth Extraction
Eugene, OR
Tooth Extraction in Eugene provided by Justin Higbee DDS
at Higbee Family Dentistry
 Even though your teeth can last for a lifetime, several circumstances necessitate extraction. Conditions like severe tooth decay and gum disease might require extraction of the damaged tooth.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding tooth extraction, our team at Higbee Family Dentistry is ready to enlighten you.
Why Do I Need To Have My Tooth Extracted?
There are several reasons why you might have your tooth extracted. The reasons vary from one person to another. They include:
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Impaction: When your teeth are impacted, we might have to extract them. Impacted teeth occur when the growth of one tooth pushes against the other. This results in great discomfort, hence the need to extract the tooth.
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Gum Disease: While gum disease is treatable, severe cases can result in tooth extraction. Advanced gum disease affects the integrity of the bones supporting your teeth. Without any treatment, the condition deteriorates and makes tooth extraction necessary.
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Overcrowding: Overcrowded teeth are another cause of extraction. Too many teeth in one place make it difficult for your mouth to function normally. Therefore, our team will perform an extraction procedure to open up free space. This goes a long way in improving your smile. |
Do I Need To Have My Wisdom Teeth Extracted?
There are specific circumstances under which wisdom teeth have to be extracted. Generally, we don't have to remove wisdom teeth if they are impacted but not causing any problems. This is because removing wisdom teeth that are not causing any problems can result in complications.
However, if impacted wisdom teeth are causing dental problems, our professionals will have them extracted. In most cases, impacted wisdom teeth that have not fully broken through the gum surface are prone to dental problems. Bacteria and food particles can get trapped around them and result in infections.
How Long Does a Tooth Extraction Take?
A tooth extraction process is quicker than you think! The procedure takes anywhere between 20-40 minutes — from administering a local anesthetic to clothing the wound at the end of the extraction.
However, you should know that the process might take longer if you require more than one tooth extraction. The time frame given is based on an extraction involving a single tooth.
Does Tooth Extraction Hurt?
Contrary to what some people think, a tooth extraction procedure is quick and painless. Before our experts start the extraction process, they apply a local anesthetic that numbs the area. This means that you will not feel any pain during the extraction process.
It is normal to feel some pressure when we are working on the tooth during the extraction process, but you won't feel any discomfort thanks to the effects of the anesthetic.
How Long Does Pain Last After Tooth Extraction?
You might feel some pain and discomfort for around four to seven days after the tooth extraction procedure. This timeframe applies mostly to molars. If you still feel intense pain near the extraction site after five days, book an appointment to see our professionals immediately. Discomfort during the first 24 hours after the surgery is normal and can be managed by painkillers.
What to Do After Tooth Extraction?
After undergoing a tooth extraction procedure, there are several things you should do to speed up recovery. Here are some of the things you should know post-surgery.
How to Stop Bleeding After Tooth Extraction
You can apply wet gauze to the affected area to stop bleeding. To do so, dampen a piece of gauze with water, fold it up and gently place it on the empty tooth socket. This will help stop the bleeding almost instantly. You can also bite on black tea to regulate bleeding after an extraction procedure.
When to Stop Using Gauze After Tooth Extraction
The right time to stop using gauze after an extraction procedure is when you see there is very little blood accumulation. When using gauze, ensure that you change it every 15 minutes. After every change, you will notice the blood deposit on the pad reducing. Eventually, the gauze will remain mostly white, signifying the stop of bleeding.
What to Eat After Tooth Extraction
Stick to eating soft foods after a tooth extraction procedure. Eat only soft foods and liquids for at least 24 hours after the procedure. This helps create the right conditions for your tooth to heal. You can gradually adjust to your normal diet when the wound starts healing. Before then, stick to soft foods like pudding, yogurt, and Jell-O, among others.
When Can I Smoke After Tooth Extraction?
It would be best to stop smoking for at least 72 hours after tooth extraction. We advise that you avoid smoking because smoking disintegrates blood clots from the wound. This affects the time it takes to heal after the procedure.
Can I Drink Alcohol, Coffee, or Soda After Tooth Extraction?
You should avoid drinking alcohol, coffee, or soda after an extraction procedure. These drinks will get in contact with the open wound and corrode blood clots. Consequently, you increase the chances of bleeding when you consume these drinks.
How Long Should I Wait Before Brushing My Teeth After Tooth Extraction?
To be on the safe side, we encourage you to avoid brushing your teeth in the first 24 hours after the extraction procedure. This ensures that the affected area is secured and not interfered with in any way. After 24 hours, brush with care to prevent the toothbrush from getting close to the wound.
Is It Advisable to Use Mouthwash Following a Tooth Extraction?
You should not use mouthwash after an extraction procedure because it is unsafe to do so. Mouthwash can cause the blood clot to dislodge and cause bleeding. Our experts recommend avoiding mouthwash for at least 48 hours after the procedure. This helps keep the extraction site in good condition.
Schedule an Appointment for Extraction Today!
Teeth are meant to last a lifetime, but there are several circumstances that necessitate extractions. If you need your tooth extracted due to various reasons, our Eugene dental team at Higbee Family Dentistry is ready to help. Call us at (541) 342-1187 to learn more about teeth extraction and why it might just be what you need.
Contact Us
Phone: (541) 342-1187
Email: office@eugenedentist.net
Our Location in Eugene
Address:
622 E 22nd Ave, Suite D
Eugene, OR 97405-2989
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