Tooth Extractions in Topsham ME

While most of us will take every precaution to ensure we have strong, healthy teeth, sometimes things happen that cause damage anyway. Neglecting dental hygiene, sporting mishaps, and even faulty genetics can cause issues with your teeth. If your dentist decides a tooth extraction in Topsham ME is the best course of action, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

---

Removing a Tooth to Keep Your Smile Safe in Topsham ME

When you have a tooth that is severely infected or badly damaged, our initial intention will always be to try and save it. But if the tooth simply cannot be salvaged, then our team will need to remove it. Rest assured that our team at Androscoggin Dental Care will always prioritize your safety regardless of what kind of treatment you need, and we care about helping you stay comfortable. We will make a point of keeping you fully informed of your oral health situation so that you fully understand why a tooth extraction in Topsham needs to be performed. Please call us if you have any concerns about your oral health and think that you may need to have a tooth removed.

---

When Are Tooth Extractions Necessary?

We will not recommend a tooth extraction unless we believe that it is truly warranted. Here are some examples of circumstances where a tooth may need to be removed:

• Your tooth is damaged, and it is no longer viable to save it with a dental crown or root canal treatment.
• Your teeth are severely crowded together, and you are unable to have orthodontic treatment performed as a result.
• You need to have a tooth removed before you can receive dentures.
• You have an advanced form of gum disease, and as a result, a tooth has come loose.
• Your child has a baby tooth that has remained in the mouth for longer than it should.

---

Anesthesia Used For Tooth Extractions in Topsham ME

Unless it is a comprehensive wisdom tooth extraction procedure, most tooth extractions will typically use a local anesthetic which will numb a specific area of your mouth for a few hours. This numb sensation should eventually wear off, and normal sensitivity will return. If it doesn’t, you should contact your dentist.

While still under the effect of the anesthesia, you should try not to move your mouth, or to bite on anything. You will not be able to feel it should you bite your tongue or cheek until the freezing wears off.  Depending on the circumstances, your dentist may prescribe a painkiller to help with the discomfort you may experience after the extraction.

---

Bleeding

Depending on the extent of the work, your Topsham ME dentist may put a gauze covering on top of the extraction to protect the blood clot. It’s important at this early stage to simply let the gauze do its work to apply some pressure and gently cover the extracted area. There will still be some bleeding shortly after the extraction, but this will gradually stop, as the clotting process gets underway.

If you are given a gauze pack to keep in your mouth after the visit, you should continue to use it for 30-45 minutes after the visit. After that, carefully remove it, and replace it with another gauze pack of for another 30-45 minutes. You should keep doing this until the bleeding stops. Don’t confuse a little bit of blood mixed in with saliva for a serious flow of blood. However, if the bleeding hasn’t stopped after a few hours, you should contact your dentist.

---

The First 24 Hours After A Tooth Extraction

While the clot is covering the extraction area and solidifying, you should do as little as possible to disturb it. Otherwise, you will be slowing down your own healing process. Strenuous activity should be avoided during this period.

Contrary to what you may believe, you should also avoid drinking with a straw. Using a straw will create suction in your mouth which may cause you to start bleeding again. Avoid rinsing your mouth, and stay away from alcoholic beverages or mouthwash as these will be extremely painful when they make contact. Do not smoke, as this will slow down the healing process.

---

Even though it’s not a major medical procedure, you should take care of yourself after tooth extraction. Take it easy to give yourself the best possible chance of healing quickly. Rinse the mouth gently to clean it, and don’t brush the affected area. Our team at Androscoggin Dental Care is here to help.