Image

Tooth Extraction – Reasons, What To Expect & Aftercare Tips

tooth extraction

By Restoration Smiles

As an adult, it is sometimes necessary to have a tooth pulled. Although permanent teeth are supposed to stay for your entire lifetime, tooth extraction may be necessary for a variety of reasons. A tooth that is too seriously damaged to be restored due to trauma or decay is a common reason. In this blog, we are going to discuss various aspects related to tooth extraction in detail. Just go through the sections below if the mere thought of teeth removal sends chills down your spine. The reason behind it is pretty simple, we believe that lack of knowledge plays a vital role in creating fear or anxiety. 

Probable Reasons For Tooth Extraction

    • A crowded mouth – Dentists sometimes extract teeth to prepare the mouth for orthodontic treatment. Orthodontia’s purpose is to align the teeth properly, which may be impossible if your teeth are too large for your mouth. Similarly, if a tooth cannot break through the gum line (erupt) due to a shortage of room in the mouth, your dentist may recommend extraction.
    • Infection in the mouth – Germs from the mouth can enter the pulp and cause infection if tooth decay or injury reaches the pulp, the soft tissue at the center of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. Root canal therapy (RCT) is normally used to treat the tooth, but if the infection has progressed to the point that antibiotics or RCT are no longer effective, the tooth may need to be extracted to prevent the infection from spreading.
    • Increased risk of infection – Even the danger of infection in a single tooth may be enough to warrant extraction if your immune system is impaired (for example, if you are taking chemotherapy or having an organ transplant).

Gum disease is classified as periodontal (gum) disease. If tooth loosening is the consequence of periodontal disease (infection of the tissues and bones that surround and support the teeth), the tooth or teeth may need to be extracted.

What Should You Expect From Tooth Extraction?

Dentists and oral surgeons do tooth extractions (dentists who have received additional training to undertake surgery). Your dentist will inject you with a local anesthetic to numb the area where the tooth will be extracted before extracting it. Strong general anesthesia may be used by your dentist in specific cases. This will keep you from feeling pain all over your body and allow you to sleep through the process.

If the tooth is impacted, the gum and bone tissue covering it will be removed, and the tooth will be gently shaken back and forth using forceps to release it from the jaw bone and ligaments that keep it in place. A difficult-to-pull tooth may need to be pulled in sections.

When the tooth is pulled, a blood clot usually forms in the socket. The dentist will insert a gauze pad in the socket and have you bite down on it to help stop the bleeding. He/she may employ self-dissolving stitches to seal the gum margins surrounding the extraction site on rare occasions.

If a blood clot in the socket breaks loose, the socket’s bone is exposed. The disorder known as dry socket syndrome is excruciatingly painful. If this happens, your dentist will most likely use a sedative dressing to preserve the socket for a few days until new clot forms.

What Should You Inform Your Dentist Before Teeth Extraction?

Although tooth extractions are usually painless, they can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream that can be fatal. Infected gum tissue is also a possibility. If you have a condition that puts you at high risk of infection, you may need to take antibiotics before and after the extraction. Before having a tooth pulled, tell your dentist about your complete medical history, medications, and supplements you use, as well as if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Valves in the heart that have been damaged or inserted
  • If you have suffered or have been suffering from congenital heart problems
  • Immune system dysfunction
  • Suffering from liver problems
  • If you have gone through artificial hip replacement
  • In case there is a history of bacterial endocarditis

What Should Be Done After Going For Teeth Removal?

Once the completion of the extraction is done, your dentist will send you home to recover. Recovery normally takes a few days. The following suggestions can assist you in avoiding pain, reducing the risk of infection, and hastening your recovery.

  • Do take painkillers as prescribed by your dentist.
  • To stop bleeding and allow a clot to form, bite firmly but softly on the gauze pad your dentist has placed in the tooth socket. Replace the gauze pads before they become soaked in blood. Alternatively, leave the pad in place for three to four hours after the extraction.
  • After the therapy, apply an ice pack to the afflicted area to minimize swelling. Apply 10 minutes of ice to the affected region at a time.
  • Once the extraction is done, take it easy for at least 24 hours. For the next day or two, try to keep your activities to a minimum.
  • Refrain from rinsing or spitting for 24 hours after the extraction to avoid dislodging the clot that forms in the socket.
  • After a span of 24 hours, rinse your mouth with a solution of 1/2 teaspoon salt and 8 ounces warm water.
  • Avoid drinking using straw once the tooth removal is done.
  • It is advisable to not smoke after teeth extraction. This can delay the process of healing.
  • The day after the extraction, eat soft meals like soup, pudding, yogurt, or applesauce. Gradually introduce solid foods to your diet as the extraction site heals.
  • If you’re lying down, use pillows to prop your head up. It’s possible that lying flat will make the bleeding last longer.
  • Brush and floss your teeth as usual, as well as your tongue, but avoid brushing the extraction site. This will help to keep infections at bay.

Know When To Consult A Dentist After Tooth Extraction

Once the anesthetic wears off, it’s typical to have some pain. With having a tooth pulled, you should expect some swelling and bleeding for the first 24 hours. If the bleeding or pain persists longer than four hours after your tooth has been extracted, you should contact your dentist. Consult your dentist right away, the moment you notice any of the following signs:

  • Fever and chills are symptoms of infection
  • Vomiting or nausea
  • Excessive redness, swelling, or discharge from the afflicted area
  • Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or extreme nausea or vomiting are all symptoms to look out for

It normally takes one to two weeks for the initial healing process to complete. New bone and the gum tissue will be used to close the gap. However, missing a tooth (or teeth) might cause the remaining teeth to move over time, altering your bite and making chewing difficult. As a result, your dentist may suggest replacing the missing tooth or teeth with a dental implant, fixed bridge, or denture.

We hope that you have gained a clear idea about teeth extraction. If you are looking for the best teeth extraction service in Tomball, TX, book an appointment with Restoration Smiles.

Related Articles

New Patients & Emergency Appointments Welcome!