Thinking about having a tooth extracted can be very scary. It’s normal to feel uncertain, not only because you’re having a tooth removed, but also because of certain questions that may arise about the process. Will it hurt? Can I replace my tooth? Is this the only solution? Among others. However, it is necessary in some cases, such as the eruption of a painful wisdom tooth or even a serious infection.
To demystify some ideas and give you an in-depth understanding of what a tooth extraction entails, we have written this article.
Broadly speaking, you should know that extractions may be recommended in cases such as severe cavities, advanced periodontal disease, broken teeth, or wisdom teeth that are misaligning the teeth, among other possibilities.
Your dentist will first assess whether you need an extraction or not. If so, they will tell you which type is best for you: simple or surgical.
Simple extractions are performed in milder cases. Therefore, it can be easily removed. In this case, the procedure is also much simpler. First, the dentist numbs the area with local anesthesia. Then, using an elevator, the dentist will loosen the tooth and then extract it.
This is usually quite quick and requires much less recovery time. For example, a Clearwater emergency dentist can handle this entire process.
Surgical extractions, on the other hand, can be more complex. They usually occur in fractured teeth. Here, an incision is made in the gum to access the tooth, which is why it is considered a surgical procedure requiring anesthesia. It may even be necessary to divide the tooth in order to extract it more easily.
The area is then cleaned and the gum tissue is sutured to promote healing. Afterwards, the dentist will explain the recovery process.
After your tooth has been extracted, if you receive anesthesia, you will not feel anything. However, it is common to feel uncomfortable. Therefore, your dentist will place sterile gauze in the extraction area and ask you to bite down so that a clot does not form.
Don’t be alarmed if you notice a little bleeding or even swelling. This is normal. Your dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or applying ice to the area to improve your quality of life during your recovery.
If you want to avoid discomfort, keep these key tips in mind:
This clot is essential for your wound to heal properly. To avoid dislodging it and causing a condition known as dry socket, you must avoid sudden movements with your mouth.
Your dentist will recommend this. You should avoid any food that requires effort to chew, such as certain types of meat or sweets. Instead, purées, yogurts, or soups are great during the recovery period. This will prevent the area from bleeding or becoming inflamed again. Therefore, try to follow a soft diet for a few days.
You should always maintain optimal oral hygiene, but even more so after a tooth extraction. It is advisable to rinse with warm salt water. If you notice any problems, an emergency dentist in Largo can check your healing.
Before a tooth extraction, you may feel concerned for several reasons. One of them is usually the possibility of experiencing severe pain during or after the extraction, as it is commonly believed to be a painful procedure. While it is normal to feel discomfort, procedures are now less invasive. Thanks to sedation, it is possible to avoid discomfort during the procedure. After your tooth is removed, you can control any discomfort with painkillers.
On the other hand, the recovery time is usually not very long. Although the time depends on the complexity of the extraction and your body’s healing ability, extractions can take a few days. However, it should be noted that the more you follow your dentist’s instructions, the more you can speed up the process.
Similarly, if you have researched dry socket, you should know that it is preventable. It is a condition in which the clot comes loose prematurely. To reduce the chances of this happening to you, avoid spitting forcefully after the procedure.
The first is to brush your teeth thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste. Do this at least twice a day. Ideally, once after every meal.
Brushing your teeth thoroughly also means learning how to floss. This will remove plaque and food debris between your teeth.
If you notice blood when flossing, you may have a gum problem, which should be checked by your dentist. In this regard, it is essential to schedule cleanings and checkups every six months. This will help detect problems early. If you want to avoid further damage, it is essential to avoid harmful habits, such as smoking or regularly chewing hard candy, which can damage and break your teeth.
These are small actions that can make a big difference in the long run!
When you need to have a tooth extracted, there’s nothing better than having a dentist you trust. Choosing the right professional can make the difference between terror and a truly positive experience.
This is something we know at The Dental Emergency Room! We are always ready to help you when you need it most. We handle all kinds of procedures, guaranteeing pain relief and long-term solutions.