Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is the process of removing a tooth and its roots from the socket in your jaw bone.
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Tooth extraction is the process of removing a tooth and its roots from the socket in your jaw bone. Dr. M. Shoaib Khan always tries to preserve the tooth before recommending extraction, but this isn’t always possible.
Tooth extraction is the process of removing a tooth and its roots from the socket in your jaw bone. Dr. M. Shoaib Khan always tries to preserve the tooth before recommending extraction, but this isn’t always possible.
You may need to have one or more teeth pulled in the following situations:
- Removing impacted and diseased teeth through surgical means after first administering general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Root canals and the removal of wisdom teeth are common procedures.
- Setting a broken jaw, repairing facial lacerations, re-connecting severed nerves, repairing damage to the nose and eye sockets, and correcting several other problems caused by facial trauma.
- Handling all aspects of dental implants, including placing the artificial tooth roots, performing a bone graft if necessary, and attaching the replacement teeth to their new roots. Since the process can take several months to complete, oral surgeons examine patients for progress and advise them on the next steps
- Diagnosing and treating facial pain, such as that caused by temporomandibular joint disorders. Dr. Khan may refer patients to a physical therapist or another medical specialist prior to recommending surgery. He usually asks the patient to try several home remedies as well.
- Performing all types of reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.
- Performing surgery for the correction of sleep apnea when more conservative treatment efforts have failed.
Simple and Surgical Tooth Extractions
A simple extraction means that Dr. Khan can visibly see the tooth. He will provide you with a local anesthetic before removing it, or if preferred, a sedative or another type of anti-anxiety medication. When he is unable to view the tooth or to feel it easily inside of your mouth, you will require a surgical extraction. This can happen when teeth have not fully erupted or they have broken off at the gum line. Because Dr. Khan is a certified oral surgeon in Arlington Heights, he can remove bone and gum tissue if required and break the tooth into pieces for easier extraction.
What to Expect Before, and After a Tooth Extraction
Before recommending the removal of a tooth or teeth, Dr. Khan will discuss your medical and dental history in addition to obtaining x-rays. You may need to take an antibiotic in advance of the procedure if you have a weakened immune system. He may also prescribe antibiotics to children or elderly patients or those who are undergoing a procedure that is longer than normal. You will have the opportunity to discuss your sedation preferences as well.
Bleeding is common after having a tooth removed. You will need to bite down on a piece of gauze for up to an hour after the extraction. This puts pressure on the area and encourages the blood to begin clotting. Applying a cold compress and lying with your face upwards will help to alleviate the pain at home. Over-the-counter pain medication is typically sufficient for a simple extraction, but Dr. Khan may prescribe a medication if you had a surgical tooth extraction.
You should not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours after extraction and stick to a liquid or soft food diet. When chewing, keep food as far away from the extraction area as possible. Once 24 hours have passed, rinse the tooth socket with warm salt water after every meal and before going to bed at night.