James W. Becker, DDS © 2015. All Rights Reserved.
You and Dr. Becker may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons:
Reasons for tooth extraction
- Severe decay
- Advanced periodontal disease
- Broken in a way that cannot be repaired
- Poor position in the mouth (such as impacted teeth)
- In preparation for orthodontic treatment.
The Extraction Process
At the time of extraction Dr. Becker will numb your tooth, jawbone, and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic.
During the extraction process you will feel pressure, but not pain. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth for removal.
If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away.
What to expect following the extraction
Once the tooth has been pulled, a blood clot usually forms in the socket. Dr. Becker will pack gauze in the socket and have you bite down on it to help stop the bleeding. It is common to experience some pain for a few days following the extraction which can be most often be controlled with over the counter pain medication.
Over the next few days, sometimes the blood clot in the socket breaks loose, exposing the bone in the socket. This is an uncomfortable condition called dry socket. If this happens, please call our office and Dr. Becker will likely place a sedative dressing over the socket for a few days to protect it as a new clot forms, reducing the pain noticeably.
In time, the extraction site will smooth and fill in with bone. This process can take many weeks or months. However, after 1-2 weeks you should no longer notice any inconvenience.
Tooth Extractions
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2618 Old First St, Livermore, CA 94550
P: 925-447-5018
Mon-Thurs: 8am-5pm Fri: 8am-1pm