Tooth Extractions in Lenoir City

The wisdom teeth are the final set of molars that erupt between the ages of 17-25. However, many of us do not have enough space in our mouths to accommodate them, which can lead to a variety of oral health and orthodontic issues. For this reason, most people opt to have their wisdom teeth extracted once they begin to grow in.

Basic extractions only take about 5 minutes per tooth. First, your mouth will be cleaned and numbed. Next, Dr. Blalock will administer sedation, if you choose this option. Using a tool called an elevator, Dr. Blalock will wiggle the tooth loose in its socket and gently remove it. The area will be cleaned and sutured shut, completing the extraction. This process will be repeated for each tooth that requires extraction.

After an extraction, it is important to take special precautions to avoid dislodging the blood clot that forms in your tooth’s socket. Dr. Blalock will provide you with a comprehensive set of instructions for tooth extraction aftercare. Be sure to follow these instructions to ensure your mouth heals properly.

After an extraction, it is important to take special precautions to avoid dislodging the blood clot that forms in your tooth’s socket. Dr. Blalock will provide you with a comprehensive set of instructions for tooth extraction aftercare. Be sure to follow these instructions to ensure your mouth heals properly.

Mostly, this depends on why you need to have your wisdom teeth extracted. For example, if your wisdom teeth do not erupt fully and are “impacted,” this can lead to a number of different oral health problems. Most commonly, the flaps of gum tissue near the partially-erupted teeth will be more likely to collect bacteria and become infected, leading to pain, sensitivity, gum swelling, and even tooth abscesses, in some cases.

Or, if your wisdom teeth are growing into your mouth sideways, they may end up pushing your other teeth and moving them. This will also cause a lot of pain and discomfort, since the teeth will be pushing against the nerves and other support structures of your teeth.

For more information, you should consult with Dr. Blalock. He can examine your mouth, assess the health of your wisdom teeth, and determine whether or not they should be left in place, or if they may need to be extracted to protect your oral health.

No. During your tooth extraction at Lakeside Dental, you won’t feel any pain or discomfort. Dr. Blalock will use numbing spray and a needle to inject powerful anesthetic into the treatment site. You may feel a little bit of pressure while your tooth is being loosened and pulled, but you won’t feel any pain.

However, you should expect some pain and discomfort after your appointment, once your numbing wears off. Tooth extractions are a significant oral surgery, and pulling a tooth will cause some discomfort as the area heals.

Dr. Blalock will give you a set of instructions to use as you heal. Follow them closely, and you’ll be able to minimize your pain and discomfort, speed up the healing process, and recover without any complications.

Once you’ve had your teeth extracted, you’ll need to take a few steps to protect your oral health and ensure a swift, complication-free recovery process. Dr. Blalock will give you a set of instructions to follow, but here are a few quick “dos” and “don'ts” for your initial recovery period.

DO

• Go home, rest, and relax. Avoid heavy exercise and exertion for a few days.
• Eat after your extraction. You can eat soft and liquid foods like yogurt and ice cream. Proper nutrition helps you heal more quickly
• Fill any prescription given to you by Dr. Blalock. If you don’t get a prescription for pain medication, you can take ibuprofen, naproxen, or another over-the-counter pain reliever to help with discomfort.
• Keep your tooth extraction site clean using a prescription mouthwash or salt water rinse.

DON’T

• Use a straw or spit forcefully for at least 48 hours. This can damage the blood clot in your extraction site, leading to a painful condition called “dry socket.”
• Smoke or use tobacco products. Ideally, you should avoid smoking for at least a week to ensure proper healing and recovery. Now’s a great time to consider quitting permanently!
• Eat crunchy, hard, or tough foods. These can damage your extraction site, causing pain and discomfort and leading to a longer healing and recovery process.
• Brush your extraction site directly for at least 3-4 days. Brush the nearby teeth, but avoid the extraction site. This helps prevent damage and ensures you heal more quickly.