Tooth extractions in Waukegan, IL are not something anyone would really look forward to. However, they are not as scary as you might think – and knowing what to expect can go a long way to put your mind at ease.
Is Tooth Extraction a Painful Procedure?
No. You will be administered anesthetic – usually a local anesthetic that numbs the area – before the extraction. This will ensure you won’t experience any pain or discomfort. You will still be awake and may hear some noises related to the procedure, but you won’t feel a thing. For complicated cases, like an impacted tooth for example, your dentist might recommend general anesthetic, so you won’t be awake during the surgery.
What Can I Expect During a Tooth Extraction Procedure?
Your dentist will use an injection to administer a local anesthetic, and once your mouth is numb, the tooth will be removed. Your dentist will then place gauze over the empty socket to reduce any bleeding. Some cases will require stitches to close the gum tissue. If your tooth is impacted, or you are having multiple teeth extracted, you may be administered a general anesthetic so you will sleep through the procedure.
How Long Will My Tooth Extraction Take?
The entire process – from administering the anesthetic to applying gauze or stitches – will take somewhere between 20 and 40 minutes. It will be longer if multiple teeth must be removed.
Can I Drive Home?
After receiving anesthesia, it is not safe for you to drive home. It’s important to bring someone with you to the appointment so they can drive you home.
What Can I Expect After the Extraction?
Your mouth and cheeks may swell a bit for a couple of days after the procedure. You can apply an ice pack for the first two days – twenty minutes on, twenty minutes off – alternating heat and cold after that. Make sure to take pain medication as directed by your dentist.
Stick to eating soft foods or liquids for the first couple of days so as not to irritate the incision. Just make sure to eat nutritious foods, rather than just ice cream, to help your body heal well. You will soon be back to eating your regular diet and feeling like yourself again!
Tooth extractions in Waukegan, IL
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