Afraid an extraction is going to hurt
The tooth is numbed until you feel pressure but no sharp pain, and the dentist checks that it is fully numb before starting. If you are nervous, nitrous, oral sedation and IV conscious sedation are all available in this office, and Dr. Khalil holds the Ohio State Dental Board permit required to offer IV sedation. You agree on a stop signal first, and the work pauses whenever you use it. For many people, the throbbing tooth they walked in with hurt far more than taking it out.
Not sure the tooth really has to come out
Pulling a tooth is permanent, so you deserve to know why before it happens. Your digital X-ray goes up on the screen beside you, and you hear plainly whether the tooth can be saved with a root canal and crown, which are also done here, or whether extraction is the better call. Neither option is pushed. Premier Family Dental is independent, so the recommendation is about your tooth, not a production number.
Dealing with a broken or infected tooth right now
A tooth that has cracked below the gum or is swelling with infection cannot wait weeks. Emergencies are fitted in the same day when the schedule allows and the next day when it does not. Because extractions are done in this office, the tooth can often come out on that first visit rather than ending with a prescription and a return date. The office is open Monday through Thursday, so if trouble starts late in the week, you are told plainly when the next opening is. If swelling is spreading toward your eye or neck, or you have trouble breathing or swallowing, go to the closest 24-hour emergency room, Summa Health’s Wadsworth-Rittman Emergency Department on Wadsworth Road, or call 911.
Worried about the gap it will leave
A missing tooth affects more than your smile. Neighboring teeth can slowly drift into the space, and the bone underneath starts to shrink. Before the tooth comes out, you hear what replacing it would involve, whether that is a bridge, a partial denture or a dental implant. Dr. Khalil places and restores implants in this same office, so the plan can run from the extraction through to the final tooth without starting over somewhere new.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a simple and a surgical extraction?
A simple extraction removes a tooth that is fully visible above the gum by loosening it and lifting it out. A surgical extraction is needed when a tooth has broken off below the gumline or has not come in, and it involves a small opening in the gum. Your X-ray shows which one you need, and you will know before the visit starts.
How long does a simple extraction take?
The extraction itself often takes only a few minutes. Most of the visit is spent reviewing your X-ray, getting you fully numb and going over aftercare. If you choose sedation, plan on extra time before and after for it to take effect and wear off.
Does insurance cover a tooth extraction?
Most dental plans cover part of a simple extraction, often at a higher rate than cosmetic or major work. Before anything is done, you hear the cost with your insurance applied, including any sedation you choose, so the number does not change afterward.
What should I eat after a tooth is pulled?
Stick to soft, cool foods for the first day, such as yogurt, applesauce, eggs and soup that is not too hot. Chew on the other side, skip straws for several days, and avoid crunchy or spicy food until the area feels comfortable. Most people are back to their normal diet within a few days.
How much bleeding is normal after an extraction?
Some oozing for the first several hours is normal. Bite firmly on the gauze for 30 to 45 minutes, and if it keeps oozing, a damp black tea bag can help, since the tannins in tea help blood clot. Bleeding that soaks gauze quickly or continues into the next day is not normal, so let the office know.
Will I need antibiotics after an extraction?
Not always. Removing a tooth without an active infection usually does not call for them. If the tooth has an infection with swelling, the dentist may prescribe them and will tell you why. Using antibiotics only when they are truly needed is part of keeping your care conservative.