Within America, 75% of adults plan a trip to the dentist over the year. This shows that the majority are concerned about the care of their teeth.

Tooth extractions are a common procedure performed in general dentistry across the country. Want to know when it might be right for you to have a tooth pulled? We're here to tell you all about the process, when it's needed, and how a dentist in Riverdale IL can benefit you.

Keep reading for more.

What Are Tooth Extractions?

A tooth extraction is when a tooth's removed of which there are two forms of procedure:

• Simple
• Surgical

Of all dental procedures, it's generally a quick and easy process. Normally, you're only required to visit as an outpatient, and the tooth's removed in just one sitting. When doing so, the dentist will put you under one of the following types of anesthetics:

• Local
• General
• Intravenous

Whatever one's used will help numb the pain so to make the treatment process as comfortable as possible.

When Are Tooth Extractions Needed?

There are several instances where tooth extraction is necessary. Here, we'll show you what some of the main ones are. That way, you can decern whether a visit to the dentist to have a tooth pulled is right for you.

Tooth extractions are usually required when you're suffering from a:

• Tooth infection
• Decayed tooth
• Broken tooth
• Crack beneath your gums
• Impacted tooth
• Problem with spacing between your teeth, known as crowding

If you're suffering breaks in your teeth, cracks below the gums, or have an impacted or blocked tooth, the surgical option is much more likely to be the correct course of action.

Those with braces may require the removal of one or more teeth. This allows for more room for their other teeth to maneuver correctly and become fixed into the right position. 

Patients undergoing chemotherapy may also need teeth removed, or those going through organ transplant treatment so that good dental care is maintained.

How Do You Prepare for a Tooth Extraction?

First, your dentist will perform an X-ray of your teeth. It's important during the initial consultation to inform them about any medications you take or health conditions you have.

Informing About Medications and Conditions

When it comes to medications, this includes any vitamins and minerals you take, over-the-counter drugs, or those prescribed by your doctor. 

If you suffer from any of the following issues or diseases, it's also crucial that your dentist knows:

• Heart disease
• Liver problems
• Adrenal issues 
• High blood pressure
• Poor immune function
• Kidney disease

It's also imperative that your dentist's informed if you have to take bisphosphonate. This is because it can interfere with the procedure if the tooth gets pulled after taking the medication. Therefore, for the best results possible, the extraction's administered before taking the drug.

Prescription of Antibiotics

In certain cases, antibiotics get prescribed for a few days before having teeth pulled. This is to ensure that complications become avoided at all costs before the procedure. This is especially the case if:

• A lengthy process is due
• Your medical condition or disease is severe
• You're suffering from an infection or low immune function

Other Preparation Advice

You should also bear in mind some more advice for preparation before undergoing treatment. This includes:

• Avoiding smoking
• Advising your dentist if you've got a cold
• Inform your dentist if you're feeling nausea or have experienced vomiting recently

If you're receiving an intravenous anesthetic, it's best not to wear a long shirt to make it easier for your dentist to administer the injection. You should also not have food or drink for between six and eight hours leading up to the procedure. Ensure you also have a lift arranged since you might not feel up to driving home after, however, any side effects experienced are generally minor.

What Is the Process of a Tooth Extraction?

Simple and surgical tooth extractions involve different procedures. It depends upon whether your tooth is visual to the dentist or if it's blocked by their view.

Simple Tooth Extractions

Simple tooth extractions get performed when the dentist can see the tooth.

A local anesthetic gets given in this case to numb the tooth that's pulled. While you will still feel some compression, it's often not painful. An elevator is then used so that the tooth becomes loose before it's removed.

Surgical Tooth Extractions

Surgical interventions, on the other hand, are required when one isn't able to carry out the procedure with the usual equipment necessary.

Either a local or intravenous anesthetic gets given most often here, however, a general one's rarely given when you've got a certain medical condition. If a general anesthetic gets administered, you will remain passed out during the procedure. Then, you'll not experience the pain throughout, although a slight level is at times felt after waking, which is normal and nothing to worry about.

A slight incision is made to the area of the gum surrounding the tooth that's extracted. But some bones may require removal sometimes before the procedure becomes performed.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From a Tooth Extraction?

The recovery process is generally very fast, with it generally taking just a couple of days. Here are some tips to help it run as smoothly as possible:

• Place an ice pack on the cheek of the impacted area to lower the swelling
• Use painkillers as prescribed
• Rest well for the day following the procedure
• Avoid rinsing your mouth for the first day, or spitting if possible
• Once more, try not smoking at all
• Brush, but avoid doing so in and around the area of the extracted tooth

Choose Our Top-Quality Dentist for Your Tooth Extractions

Tooth extractions are a dental procedure required when decay, infection, or cracks in the teeth are made. We've shown you when a tooth extraction is needed and the procedure that's involved.

Why not have your dental work done by our expert team with over 60 years in the business? Make an appointment with us in Riverdale IL today! We're here for all your dental care needs.