What is an extraction?
- An extraction is the removal of a tooth.
- Extractions are usually performed when a tooth is decayed to the point that the doctor has deemed the tooth is not able to be saved.
- Extractions are also needed in cases where specific teeth can cause issues with crowding of other teeth.
- Ex. Wisdom teeth, baby and/ or adult teeth for orthodontic treatment
- During an extraction a patient will be numbed and they will not feel any pain. The only thing patients will feel is some pressure in the area being worked on.
- Everyone is different but following an extraction, I have seen patients return to work that same day and others prefer to take a day or two off. We tell patients they are okay to return to normal activities the next day.
- Almost all extraction patients are scheduled for a one week follow up to check how they are healing. Typically when a child patient has baby teeth extracted a follow up is not scheduled; however, patients and their parents can always call if there is a concern and a follow up can be scheduled then if needed.
- Some discomfort after an extraction is normal. While it is up to the doctor’s discretion, patients have been prescribed different kinds of pain medications to help patients during their healing process. If the patient mentions they are interested in being prescribed pain medication, go ahead and put their preferred pharmacy information at the top of their F.O.R.E. note and then notify the doctor so a conversation can be had before the patient has had the procedure.
- If a patient gets an extraction and they call at a later time requesting pain medication, the doctors in the office will often recommend the patient come in for a follow up appointment that same day so they can do an evaluation. Additionally our office has split schedules so it is likely the patient’s doctor who performed the extraction might not even be in the office and a different doctor will have to assist you and the patient.
