Tooth Extractions in Kansas City KS

In the days of the Old West, dentists were only used for problems with teeth. Oral hygiene and regular maintenance of the teeth were just not the goals at that time. This is probably the leading cause of the fear of the dentist. A trip to the dentist was usually going to be painful due to the lack of anesthesia and the crude instruments available to them at the time.

There was no way to save damaged teeth, so the only option was to pull them. With the lack of anesthesia, the term “like pulling teeth” became a popular saying that is still used to this day.

With modern dentistry and the advancements in anesthetic options, pulling teeth (extractions) is not a horrible experience anymore. For someone who has never had a tooth pulled, the fear of the unknown is probably the worst part. If this is your first time, be assured that it is not a cause for dread.

Learn more about tooth extractions in Kansas City KS below and contact us to schedule an appointment.

---

Anesthesia Used For Tooth Extractions in Kansas City KS

The area around the tooth to be pulled is numbed with an injection of anesthetic. A numbing gel is applied to the gums where the injection is inserted which reduces the pinching sensation caused by the injection.

If any discomfort is felt during the procedure, more anesthesia is administered to keep the patient from feeling any pain.

Unless it is a comprehensive wisdom tooth extraction procedure, most tooth extractions will typically use a local anesthetic which will numb a specific area of your mouth for a few hours. This numb sensation should eventually wear off, and normal sensitivity will return. If it doesn’t, you should contact your dentist.

While still under the effect of the anesthesia, you should try not to move your mouth, or to bite on anything. You will not be able to feel it should you bite your tongue or cheek until the freezing wears off.  Depending on the circumstances, your dentist may prescribe a painkiller to help with the discomfort you may experience after the extraction.

---

Bleeding

Depending on the extent of the work, your Kansas City KS dentist may put a gauze covering on top of the extraction to protect the blood clot. It’s important at this early stage to simply let the gauze do its work to apply some pressure and gently cover the extracted area. There will still be some bleeding shortly after the extraction, but this will gradually stop, as the clotting process gets underway.

If you are given a gauze pack to keep in your mouth after the visit, you should continue to use it for 30-45 minutes after the visit. After that, carefully remove it, and replace it with another gauze pack of for another 30-45 minutes. You should keep doing this until the bleeding stops. Don’t confuse a little bit of blood mixed in with saliva for a serious flow of blood. However, if the bleeding hasn’t stopped after a few hours, you should contact your dentist.

---

The First 24 Hours After A Tooth Extraction

While the clot is covering the extraction area and solidifying, you should do as little as possible to disturb it. Otherwise, you will be slowing down your own healing process. Strenuous activity should be avoided during this period.

Contrary to what you may believe, you should also avoid drinking with a straw. Using a straw will create suction in your mouth which may cause you to start bleeding again. Rinse your mouth, but don’t spit for 24 hours. Avoid bubbly beverages and do not smoke for 24–48 hours.

---

Even though it’s not a major medical procedure, you should take care of yourself after tooth extraction. Take it easy to give yourself the best possible chance of healing quickly. Rinse the mouth gently to clean it, and don’t brush the affected area. Our team at i Smile kck is here to help.