Tooth extractions are a relatively daunting and nerve-wracking procedure, and it involves removing a tooth from the socket in the bone. However, it is a standard dental procedure discussed in the blog. So, dive deeper into it to know more.
Why is Extracting Tooth Necessary?
Apart from getting the wisdom tooth extracted by some adults and even teenagers, there are other reasons for getting tooth extractions.
You have to undergo tooth extractions when you suffer from extensive tooth decay, tooth infection, or crowding. If you get your braces, the dentist might have to remove one or two teeth to give room for other teeth to shift into their exact position. Also, a person undergoing chemotherapy or having an organ transplant requires compromised teeth removal to keep the mouth healthy.
The other reasons for tooth extraction are as follows:
- Severe dental trauma
- Cracked tooth
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Tumor in the mouth
- Medication-induced gingival enlargement
- Cosmetic reasons
- Orthodontic treatment
- Damaged dental structures due to infection
- Dental abscess
An oral surgeon or dentist performs tooth extraction, and it is relatively quick and requires local, general, intravenous, or combined anesthesia. When the teeth are visible, the extraction process becomes more effortless. However, the procedure becomes more complicated when the teeth are broken, below the surface, or severely impacted.
How to Get Ready for a Tooth Extraction?
The dentist first takes an X-ray of the teeth before scheduling a procedure. However, it is significant to make your dentist aware of the medications, vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you take.
Also, ensure to make your dentist aware of medical history like congenital heart defects, diabetes, liver, thyroid, renal diseases, hypertension, artificial joint, adrenal diseases, etc.
Before the extraction process, the dentist might also ensure that every condition is stable and treated. You might even be given an antibiotic a day before the treatment.
You might receive intravenous anesthesia during the process, so it is advisable to avoid smoking beforehand. Even make them aware of the nausea and vomiting you felt the night before the treatment. The dentist will choose another anesthesia or reschedule the treatment in such cases.
You might recover from the treatment after a few days or a week. However, you need to apply an ice pack on the cheek immediately after the procedure to remove swelling, take medicine as prescribed, and rest for about 24 hours after the treatment.
What to expect after tooth extraction?
Tooth extraction is a minor procedure. After extraction, you may experience some discomfort and/or pain. There are a few things you should do to ensure your comfort, promote healing, and reduce the risk of complications.
- It is normal for extraction sites to bleed slightly. Place a piece of gauze over the extraction site and bite down firmly for 30 minutes. Change the gauze every 30 minutes until the bleeding stops.
- For the first day, don’t rinse your mouth vigorously. If your mouth is feeling dry, use a warm salt-water rinse every 2 hours.
- Avoid using a straw, smoking, or drinking alcohol for 24 hours after the extraction. These actions can dislodge the clot and delay healing.
