Extractions in Orono

The thought of having a tooth extracted can be intimidating, and many patients worry about the potential pain. However, with modern dental techniques and anesthesia, pain during the extraction process can be minimized or even eliminated.

Before the procedure, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth to be extracted. This means that while you may feel some pressure or movement, you shouldn't feel any pain during the extraction.

After the procedure, once the anesthetic wears off, it's normal to experience some discomfort or pain. However, this can usually be managed effectively with over-the-counter pain relievers and by following your dentist's aftercare instructions.

At Orono Dental Care, we prioritize patient comfort and strive to make every procedure as pain-free as possible. Our skilled team of dentists, including Dr. Megan Pint, Dr. Karl Berg, Dr. Mike Skramstad, and Dr. Brianna Hammer, are experienced in performing tooth extractions with precision and care.

After a tooth extraction, gauze is used to help control bleeding and aid in the formation of a blood clot in the extraction site. Typically, you'll need to keep the gauze in place, applying pressure with your bite, for about 30 to 45 minutes after the procedure.

If bleeding continues after this time, a new gauze pad can be placed and bitten down on for another 30 minutes. This process can be repeated as necessary. However, if excessive bleeding continues for several hours following the extraction, it's important to contact your dentist immediately.

Yes, you can eat after a tooth extraction, but there are some important guidelines to follow. Immediately following the procedure, your mouth will likely be numb from the anesthetic. It's crucial to avoid eating until the numbness has completely worn off to prevent accidental biting of your cheek or tongue.

Once the numbness has subsided, it's recommended to stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods for the first few days. Foods like yogurt, pudding, soup, and applesauce are good choices. It's also important to avoid hot foods and drinks, as they can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the extraction site, a crucial part of the healing process.

Gradually, as the extraction site heals, you can reintroduce harder foods into your diet. Always remember, though, to chew on the side opposite the extraction site until it has completely healed.

The duration of a tooth extraction procedure can vary greatly, depending on several factors. These include the complexity of the case, the type of extraction, and the patient's overall oral health. Typically, a simple extraction - where the tooth to be removed is visible and easily accessible - can take as little as 20 to 40 minutes. 

However, more complex cases, such as impacted wisdom teeth, may require a surgical extraction, which can take considerably longer. In such instances, the procedure may last up to 90 minutes or more. It’s important to note that these timeframes are approximations and the actual duration can vary from patient to patient. 

At Orono Dental Care, our team of experienced dentists, including Dr. Megan Pint, Dr. Karl Berg, Dr. Mike Skramstad, and Dr. Brianna Hammer, are committed to ensuring that every extraction procedure is as efficient and comfortable as possible for our patients.

Recovery from a tooth extraction typically ranges from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the complexity of the extraction and individual healing rates. While the initial healing phase, where the socket starts to close, might take about 1-2 weeks, it can take a few months for the bone and soft tissue to fully heal. Patients are usually advised to rest for 24-48 hours post-procedure and to follow aftercare instructions carefully to promote faster and complication-free healing.