A tooth extraction can be a relatively simple procedure. It can also be more complex in some situations. Teeth may need to be extracted for a variety of reasons. A severely decayed or damaged tooth may need to be extracted if it is beyond saving. Teeth may need to be extracted for orthodontic purposes, such as severe crowding. A primary tooth may be blocking a permanent tooth from coming in properly. Wisdom teeth that come in at an angle or not at all will need to be extracted to avoid damaging the other teeth. 

Whatever the reason you need to have a tooth extracted, you may have some questions about the procedure, such as: Can I drive after getting a tooth extraction? What kind of anesthesia will I need? Here’s what you need to know to prepare for your procedure. 

Types of Anesthesia for Tooth Extraction 

The biggest factor affecting your ability to drive after a tooth extraction is the type of anesthesia you will need for your procedure. Examples include:

• Local anesthesia. The most common type of anesthesia for tooth extraction is local anesthesia. This is administered via injection directly into the soft tissue of the mouth in the area where the tooth is being extracted. Local anesthesia numbs the nerves so that you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. It is normal to feel numb in the lips and cheeks, but it is safe to drive as long as you feel up to it afterwards. 

• Nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is a form of sedation used to help patients feel more relaxed during dental procedures. You breathe it through a mask over your nose. After just a few seconds a calming sensation should take effect. In most cases local anesthesia will be used along with nitrous oxide to prevent you from feeling any pain. In just a few minutes after you return to breathing regular room air, the effects of nitrous oxide will wear off and you will be able to drive. 

• Conscious oral sedation. Another form of sedation that may be used for tooth extraction procedures is conscious oral sedation. This comes in the form of a pill or liquid that you take before going to your appointment. It will take effect anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and it can take a few hours to wear off, which means you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. 

• IV sedation. When a tooth extraction will be particularly complex, lengthy, or invasive, your oral surgeon may recommend IV sedation. This is administered intravenously and will make you feel as if you are asleep, although you are still technically conscious. You most likely will not remember anything about the procedure afterwards. Someone will need to drive you to and from your appointment if you require IV sedation. 

What Type of Anesthesia Will My Procedure Require? 

The type of anesthesia you will have will be determined by a few different factors, such as:

• Size and type of tooth. The larger the tooth, the more difficult it may be to extract. Wisdom teeth are large and often more challenging to extract, meaning you may need a deeper level of sedation, such as IV sedation. Smaller teeth may only require local anesthesia. 

• Number of teeth being extracted. If you need to have multiple teeth extracted at once, it is sometimes best to be sedated because the procedure can take a while. 

• Location and position of the tooth. A tooth that is stuck below the gums can be more difficult to remove and may require sedation. Impacted wisdom teeth often require IV sedation. 

• Your personal preference. If you feel comfortable having teeth extracted without sedation, local anesthesia may be sufficient for you. However, if you feel nervous or anxious about the procedure, sedation can be helpful. 

Where Should I Go For Tooth Extraction?

Fullerton Oral Surgery specializes in tooth extractions, meaning we have the experience necessary to extract any type of tooth in any position in your mouth. From small primary teeth to large wisdom teeth, we provide the necessary anesthesia to make the procedure as comfortable as possible for our patients. 

To learn more, call 714-525-1178 or contact us today to schedule an appointment. 

Tooth extraction is the official term for having a tooth pulled. Teeth may need to be extracted for a variety of reasons. A tooth that is severely decayed or damaged beyond saving will need to be extracted. In some cases a tooth fails to come in properly because it is impacted, or stuck below the gums. 

Whatever the reason, tooth extraction is very common. If you have an upcoming tooth extraction or you’ve recently had a tooth pulled, you may be wondering when you’ll be able to eat normally again. Here’s what you can expect. 

The Tooth Extraction Procedure 

A simple tooth extraction can usually be done with just local anesthesia to numb the area. The tooth is carefully loosened and removed. A stitch or two may be used to close up the gum tissue afterwards. 

A more complex tooth extraction, such an impacted tooth, may require a little more time. Local anesthesia may be sufficient in this case, but sedation options are available when appropriate or requested. After an impacted tooth is removed, it is more likely that a few stitches will be placed in the gum tissue afterwards. 

Eating After Tooth Extraction

After a tooth extraction the gum tissue may be a little sore. You may not feel it until the local anesthesia wears off. When it comes to eating, good nutrition and adequate fluid intake are important after surgery. Start off with cool liquids and soft foods. This is to prevent you from burning  or biting your lip, cheek, or tongue. Suggestions are scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, pudding pasta, milkshakes, and yogurt. We encourage you to resume your normal diet as soon as possible. Avoid straws for one week. Drinking from a straw can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket after an extraction, which results in a condition called dry socket. 

How Long Until I’m Fully Healed?

Everyone heals differently and at different rates, so there is no definitive answer to this question. It is expected to have some discomfort after surgery and need pain medication for one or two weeks.  If you are still experiencing discomfort after two weeks following your extraction, contact your oral surgeon. There may be a need for some follow-up care to help ensure you are healing properly. There is always a chance of postoperative infection, which is characterized by pain and swelling at the site of the extraction and sometimes a fever. Keep fingers, toothpicks, or other matter that may cause infection, out of the mouth. Do not disturb the blood clot - grayish or yellowish appearance and slight odor do not indicate an infected condition. Smoking and drinking alcohol will disturb the clot and slow the healing. 

Why Choose Fullerton Oral Surgery?

Oral surgeons specialize in surgical dentistry, which includes tooth extraction. Fullerton Oral Surgery provides tooth extraction services from basic to complex extractions, and even wisdom teeth. We offer a range of sedation options to make the procedure relaxing and comfortable. Our office is equipped with the latest technology and we keep up to date with current best practices to make tooth extraction as minimally invasive as possible for faster recovery. 

Call 714-525-1178 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.