5 Steps to a Safe & Effective Impacted Tooth Extraction

Although tooth extraction is a fairly common dental procedure, it can be difficult for many people, especially if the tooth is impacted. Impacted tooth extraction requires surgery, which can cause undue anxiety and fear. At Pearlmax Oral Surgery, we offer safe, painless, impacted tooth removal services to our San Diego, California patients. Using local anesthesia and sedation, we can give you a positive, stress-free tooth extraction treatment. 

Knowing what to expect from impacted tooth removal can also help put you at ease. Here are five steps to a safe and successful impacted tooth extraction procedure:

1. Consultation & Pre-Op Instructions

Dr. Trujillo will schedule a consultation to discuss your treatment. At this time, we’ll take dental X-rays to assess the state and health of your tooth before extraction. X-rays will also reveal the location and position of your tooth so we can determine the safest means for removal. During your consultation, we’ll also give you pre-op instructions for eating, drinking, medications, and smoking so you can prepare for your procedure.

2. Anesthesia

Tooth extraction is done under local anesthesia to avoid discomfort and pain. We also offer oral and IV sedation to help you relax in the dental chair. Your safety and comfort are important to us, and Dr. Trujillo and our team will do our best to ensure both during your treatment.     

3. Oral Surgery  

To access your impacted tooth, Dr. Trujillo will need to make a small incision in your gum. This will expose your tooth so we can have it removed. If the tooth is blocked by surrounding bone tissue, we’ll need to remove the bone to access it. If your tooth is horizontal in your jaw, we may divide it into smaller pieces to simplify removal.

4. Extraction

Using forceps, Dr. Trujillo will pull your tooth loose or remove it in sections if it’s divided. We’ll then clean and disinfect the surgical site and cover it with gauze to control bleeding. Finally, we’ll stitch your gum closed so it can heal.

5. Post-Op Care & Recovery

We’ll provide full instructions on caring for the extraction site to aid your recovery. Gum swelling and soreness are common after a tooth extraction. We recommend taking OTC pain relievers to manage these symptoms. Rinsing with warm salt water and placing ice packs on your cheeks can also help ease the pain.

A blood clot will form at the extraction site to help with healing. This clot shouldn’t be disturbed. To avoid chewing, eat only soft foods for several days after your procedure. You can continue brushing your teeth but avoid the extraction site. Rest as much as possible to promote quicker healing. Dr. Trujillo will schedule follow-up appointments as needed to monitor your recovery.

Impacted Tooth Removal Near Me

To schedule impacted tooth extraction services at Pearlmax Oral Surgery in San Diego, CA, contact Dr. German Trujillo at (858) 434-7554. We’re here to meet all your oral care needs.

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