Extractions
You and Dr. Abt may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.
The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.
To avoid these complications, in most cases, Dr. Abt will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth.
The Extraction Process
At the time of extraction the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jaw bone and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic.
During the extraction process you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.
You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected.
If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away.
Sectioning a tooth
Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. The doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections then removes each section one at a time.
After Tooth Extraction
After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. Bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes immediately after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times to staunch the flow of blood.
After the blood clot forms it is important to not disturb or dislodge the clot. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities may dislodge or dissolve the clot and hinder the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours, as this increases blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.
After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
Use pain medication as directed. Call our office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious, soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.
It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
After a few days you should feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately.
Oral & Facial Surgery Center of Prescott
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This was the best experience I've ever had with a tooth extraction! I was referred by Dr. Edwards and was granted an immediate appt. Everything from check in (online option) to final instructions was clear, easy and straightforward. The entire staff was professional, friendly, knowledgeable, and compassionate without being patronizing. The facility was very clean, calm and inviting. I was very impressed with time both the front office and Dr. Abt took to review my medical history with me. The procedure itself was surprisingly brief and each step was explained to me in detail as I opted for local anesthesia (they do offer sedation). I was sent home with the least amount of mouth discomfort I've ever experienced after having a tooth pulled and went to work the next day. Dr. Abt even called me that afternoon to check on me! Highest marks to Dr. Abt and his staff!
- Karin M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very happy with everyone! love to visit and so convenient.
- shirley E
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Congratulations on your new office building and location. Very clean and well lite. Dr. Abt will be my go to oral surgery doctor.
- David B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I would absolutely recommend this office to my friends and family. I am prone to dry-socket and Dr. Ebt did everything he could to help me avoid it, and so far I have been successful. I couldn't be more pleased with my experience.
- Karisa R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This was almost an "emergency" extraction - had to be done, and quickly. I was scheduled for the following day, early - and as with my first visit, was treated with care, kindness and efficiency - I'm a pain wimp and asked for the full anesthesia drip. While the day after was a little tough (my body doesn't like antibiotics), by day three things feel good and the healing is happening. I am so impressed with this office, with Dr. Abt and how they respected my request; I would absolutely come back for any other work as serious as this was.
- Jane C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had a terrible experience with a previous wisdom tooth extraction and resulting dry socket, so having to get another wisdom tooth pulled didn't thrill me. Dr. Abt listened to my story, and took my fears seriously. Not only was the extraction itself carefully done, the pre- and after-care procedure made a big difference. I would absolutely recommend him and his staff to anyone who needs a wisdom tooth extracted!
- Jane C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My experience at Oral and Facial Surgery Center of Prescott was beyond compare to any other dental experience i have had in the past. From beginning to end I was treated with nothing but kindness understanding and compassion. The Ladies at the front are professional, kind and greet you with a smile, The atmosphere is clean, warm and comfortable. DR Abt is so kind! He was able to help me quickly, he explains every step along the way, and did an amazing job. I would highly recommend Dr Abt to anyone needing his services. his work is a standard set apart ! The combination of his skill, kindness, and heart for his patients make this a one of a kind experience.
- Erin R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
EXTRAORDINARILY SKILLED PHYSICIAN... EXCEPTIONAL PROFESSIONAL SERVICE... A+... OVERALL PERSONAL RATING: 10 to the power of 10, ad infinitum... based on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the very best, ever...
- JOHN E
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I broke a tooth last year and didn't bother going to see the dentist because it didn't hurt. I am scheduled to have surgery in May and not allowed to see a dentist 30 days prior to the surgery date. The tooth started hurting and my own dentist couldn't get me in for a month. I called Dr. Abt's office and they got me in the next day and extracted the tooth 2 days after that. It was amazing how quickly they scheduled me in to meet my surgery requirements. AND, I had ZERO pain or swelling. I expected a lot worse since I was in dire pain the year before with just a root canal using my regular dentist. Dr. Abt and his staff are excellent and I would highly recommend them to everyone!
- CYNTHIA H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Abt has a very unique and impressessive set of credentials..... far beyond those of a mere dentist. Our consultation was focused on removal of a tooth in an emergency situation, but we discussed initially a much broader course of treatment. I felt confident that his expertise would guide me towards the most complete and cost effective options to address my personal situation. Dr. Abt is personable, reassuring and impressed me with his no-nonsense approach to treatments and medications. I will have a more comprehensive consultation with him in the near future because of the very positive first impression I had with Dr. Abt, his facility and his entire staff. Oh, did I mention that he even called me personally this evening to ensure that everything was going well....pretty impressive to me!! I have found my "go to" person for my more complex dental needs, right here in Prescott too.
- Lenny K
