Tips for a Stress-free Tooth Extraction

Like most dentists, Dr. Jared Palmer prefers saving natural teeth whenever possible to keep your smile intact. However, there are situations when getting a tooth extraction is necessary to protect or restore your oral health. At Acadia Family Dentistry in Thibodaux, Louisiana, we’ll do our part to make your tooth extraction procedure a smooth, pain-free, stress-free experience.

Tips for Stress-free Dental Extraction Procedure

Dental extractions are fairly standard procedures performed under anesthesia to avoid discomfort and pain. A tooth erupted through the gum line can be simply pulled with forceps. If the tooth hasn’t erupted, a surgical extraction is needed. Dr. Palmer will make a small incision in your gum, remove any bone that’s in the way, and remove the tooth, either whole or in pieces. Then, we’ll stitch your gum to help it heal. Tooth extractions are often the last resort when all other measures to save a tooth have been exhausted. If your tooth has irreparable damage, is causing severe pain, or is severely compromised by gum disease, it’s best to have it removed.

Regardless of the reason for removing a tooth, the following tips can help you have a stress-free extraction procedure:

1. Know Your Options

If you’re distressed over losing a tooth, talk to your dentist about alternative treatments, so you’re aware of all your options. Sometimes, extraction is the only recourse to restore your oral health. By explaining the extraction process and discussing the use of anesthesia and sedation, Dr. Palmer can relieve any anxiety or fear you may have about this treatment.

2. Share Pertinent Facts about Your Medical History

Make sure your dentist is aware of any oral or medical surgery you’ve had in the past, along with any prescription medication you’re currently taking, as this information could impact your extraction treatment. 

3. Prepare for Post-Extraction Pain 

Although you won’t feel pain during your procedure due to the use of anesthesia, you may feel discomfort afterward once the anesthesia wears off. If you’re having several teeth extracted at the same time, we can prescribe pain medication to keep you comfortable during recovery. For a single extraction, OTC pain pills, ice packs, and warm salt water rinses can help numb pain and reduce swelling.

4. Have Soft Foods on Hand

Tooth extraction can leave your gums feeling sensitive and sore for several days, especially around the extraction site. A soft food diet and mild drinks can help your gums recover quicker. Yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, creamy soups, pasta, scrambled eggs, puddings, and ice cream are soft foods you can eat during recovery.

5. Protect the Extraction Site      

A blood clot will form around the extraction site to help expedite your recovery. During your recovery, refrain from brushing around this area, using a straw for drinking, or smoking, as these activities can dislodge the blood clot and cause a painful condition called dry socket.

Dental Extractions Near Me

For safe, stress-free tooth extraction services in Thibodaux, LA, contact Dr. Jared Palmer from Acadia Family Dentistry at (985) 303-2920.