3 Commonly Asked Questions About Dental Extractions

If you’re nervous about getting a dental extraction, it’s understandable. Having answers to your questions can help make the experience better. Your dentist in Boise and Meridian, ID, can answer those questions to give you peace of mind before this important procedure. Whether you’re getting an extraction because of a wisdom tooth removal or because of an infection or for another reason, here’s what you need to know.

1. Do Dental Extractions Hurt?

Dental extractions are not generally painful. Your dentist will numb the area and may give you sedation to make the procedure more comfortable. If you are getting a tooth extraction because of a dental infection or problem with your tooth, a tooth extraction may even stop the pain that you’ve been experiencing.

2. How Long Does a Dental Extraction Take?

Simple extractions don’t usually take very long. The procedure may be over in as short as 15 minutes or as long as 30. Some extractions take longer. If your tooth is broken beneath the gums, for example, your dentist will need to perform surgery. Surgical removal can take an hour, depending on what needs to be done. Your dentist can give you a time estimate before getting started.

3. Can I Eat Normal Foods After a Dental Extraction?

You can eat soft foods after a dental extraction. Pasta, yogurt, and applesauce are all good examples of the types of foods you can eat after an extraction. You should also avoid drinking from a straw during your recovery.

Do you need a dental extraction in Boise and Meridian, ID? Do you have more questions about extractions? Call Idaho Perio Center for Dental Implants and Laser Periodontal Therapy today to get started.

Extractions and Teeth Shifting: What You Should Know

Teeth extractions can be difficult to schedule for many people, but they’re ultimately better than the alternative. If you need to have a tooth pulled and you’re wondering what to do next, we’ll look at what you should know about what happens after the procedure if you leave your mouth as-is.

Shifting Teeth

Your teeth tend to move over time, even if those movements are hard to discern if you’re not looking at your mouth with a proverbial fine-tooth comb. Open space makes it easier for them to shift and slide, making your mouth more vulnerable once you have a tooth extraction in Boise, ID.

As the teeth move over to fill in your mouth, it can cause issues with your bite and potentially open you up to more infections or cavities, as there’s typically more surface area for bacteria and plaque to latch onto. It’s worth noting that teeth don’t always shift, especially if they’re your wisdom teeth. The best way to learn more about how your teeth are liable to move around is to discuss the options with your dentist.

General Dentistry in Boise, IN

Your face and jaw rely on your teeth to maintain everything from your jaw bone to your facial structure. Even losing a single tooth can have consequences that you may not have anticipated. While any dentist in Boise, IN, can pull a tooth, finding one that can preserve your extraction site is important.

At Idaho Perio Center for Dental Implants and Laser Periodontal Therapy, with locations in Boise and Meridian, you’ll work with a staff who can tell you how different options will play out over time so you can make a decision that you’re ultimately comfortable with.