At Teeth R Us, we make every effort to help you maintain your natural smile whenever possible. However, certain circumstances can, unfortunately, result in the need for tooth extraction.
Dental extractions may be necessary due to severe tooth decay, infections, or crowding. One or two teeth may need to be extracted in order to make way for the other teeth as they move into position for those who obtain braces. Additionally, compromised teeth may need to be removed in order to maintain oral health.
A tooth extraction is a relatively rapid outpatient surgery carried out by a dentist or oral surgeon under local, general, intravenous, or a combination of anesthetics. An easy extraction is the removal of teeth that are visible. Broken, subsurface, or impacted teeth call for a more extensive surgery.
Here is a step-by-step guide to the extraction process, starting from when you are sitting in the dental chair.
The doctor will prepare you for the extraction process by numbing your tooth, jaw bone, and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic.
Once the area is numb, the doctor will begin the extraction process by firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.
During the process, you may feel a lot of pressure, but it should not be painful because the anesthetic has numbed the nerves that transmit pain. However, you may still feel the pressure as the nerves that transmit it are not profoundly affected.
If you experience any pain or discomfort during the extraction, please let the doctor know right away. They can provide additional numbing or other pain relief measures to ensure your comfort.
Overall, the extraction process can be uncomfortable, but it should not be painful. By working closely with your dentist and communicating any discomfort you experience, you can ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible.
To promote healing after a tooth extraction, it’s important to allow a blood clot to form. Following the procedure, apply firm pressure to a gauze pad over the extraction site for 30-45 minutes. If bleeding persists, place another gauze pad and bite down for an additional 30 minutes. Avoid dislodging the blood clot by refraining from vigorous mouth rinsing, smoking, and drinking alcohol for 72 hours. Swelling and discomfort may occur after the extraction, and to help reduce these symptoms, apply an ice pack or unopened bag of frozen peas or corn to the area.
While experiencing discomfort after the extraction, it’s essential to use any prescribed pain medication and to continue taking antibiotics for the prescribed length of time. Eat soft, nutritious food and drink plenty of fluids. Brush and floss your teeth at least once a day after 24 hours to maintain good oral hygiene and promote healing. If you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, or prolonged swelling or have a reaction to medication, contact the dental office immediately.
Following a few days of rest and recovery, you should begin to feel better and can resume your regular activities. By taking proper care of the extraction site and maintaining good oral hygiene, you can help ensure a speedy and successful recovery.
