Tooth extraction is an important aspect of taking care of your smile and is a part of oral healthcare. For most adults, your permanent teeth will stay with you for a lifetime, but certain situations call for a tooth extraction to improve the overall aesthetic of your smile or to prevent your oral health from deteriorating further. In general, patients in need of a tooth extraction have sustained damage to the tooth or serious decay has set in.
At Smile 4 Me Dental, our experienced oral surgeon will provide you with the tooth extraction you need to get your oral hygiene back on track. We will examine your situation, make sure the extraction site is prepared for the removal of the tooth, and ensure you understand the process and have all of the health information you need. From wisdom teeth to molars, our dental team will have the skills, experience, and expertise to perform your tooth extraction as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Why Do Patients Need a Tooth Extraction?
There can be several reasons to perform surgery to extract or replace your existing tooth. These include:
Crowded Mouth: In a crowded mouth situation, you have misaligned or broken teeth causing issues with the overall aesthetic of your face. Extracting a particular tooth may be necessary for orthodontic work. A dentist or oral surgeon may also recommend an extraction if the tooth creaks your gum since your mouth is crowded.
Decay: Tooth decay or damage, if left untreated, can be too extensive and extend up to your gums causing an infection to the nerves and its blood vessels. This can be treated through Root Canal Therapy (RCT) or, in severe cases, extraction. An x-ray will be used to assess the extent of the damage.
Risk of Infection: For a patient with a compromised immune system, the risk of infection from a decayed tooth may be a reason to pull it. Periodontal gum disease is caused by the gums and tissues that support the teeth and can cause loosening. This could require tooth removal.
Find the Right Dentist for You
When you are in need of a tooth extraction procedure, it is important to get proper guidance from an experienced dentist. Tooth extraction is a difficult procedure and requires dental expertise to do it the proper way.
Choosing a dentist or oral surgeon for the extraction surgery can be a tough job just based on ads, so it is important to read patient reviews and recommendations based on the services provided. Make sure you call your dentist and ask all the necessary questions about the procedure before you book an appointment for the service.
Right after a procedure, there may be swelling as well as residual bleeding based on the process used to pull the tooth. A dentist may be visited and called if you face these issues:
-Fever or chills
-Nausea or vomiting
-Redness, swelling of gums, or bleeding from the gums
-Breathlessness
-Cough
-Chest pain
Experienced dentists and oral surgeons are integral in making sure your oral hygiene (teeth, gums, jaw bone) is kept in tip-top shape. This includes recommending and performing a tooth extraction for seriously damaged or infected adult or baby teeth. Finding the best dentist for your situation is crucial for your health.
Are Tooth Extractions Painful?
During the tooth extraction process, your dentist will use anesthesia in order to prevent serious discomfort. Different types of anesthesia are used, including:
Local Anesthesia - If your dentist applies a numbing gel-like substance on your gums, it is not to prevent a blood clot, but for your tooth to be extracted using the "simple extraction" process.
Sedation Anesthesia - Nitrous oxide or a pill may be used to provide minimal sedation (you will be unconscious) before the surgical extraction process. It takes about 24 hours to get your teeth back to the normal state with minor pain. You might not feel any irritation even if you experience bleeding or other harsh symptoms.
General Anesthesia - This is usually offered in special situations and usually takes a maximum of 24 hours before the sedation wears off with no other side effects. This can be used for the "surgical extraction process" or the "simple extraction" process.
Having been given anesthesia, you will not feel discomfort during the extraction process.
How Long Does It Hurt after a Tooth Extraction?
While healing following dental practices is different for all patients, people will generally experience discomfort for at least 1-3 days after the procedure at the extraction site. You may also experience strain as well as rigidness. Medications may be prescribed to reduce your discomfort.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Tooth Extraction?
Once the dentist has done the tooth extraction, it will take a minimum of 1-2 weeks for full healing at the site. New gums and tissue will grow automatically, but it might be difficult to speak or chew after removal until the alignment is restored.
Dry socket is an issue that occurs when a blood clot in the extraction site did not form, and this leads to the exposure of the bone. A dry socket is treated with medicated gel placed in the socket for protection until the clotting process occurs. Cotton gauze can be used to stop any sort of bleeding.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Based on the type of extraction process as well as the tooth being removed, the aftercare instructions vary. On the whole, the healing process takes about 7-10 days. Here are some common post-operative care instructions:
-Take painkillers if you have pain in your tooth socket.
-Apply a local anesthetic and ice pack to the extraction location.
-Do not hold the ice pack for too long or you will risk damage to your gum tissue.
-Do not smoke as it can cause immense pain and damage to your gums.
-Prop up your head using pillows while sleeping to prevent injury to your tooth as well as any complications.
-Continue brushing your teeth every day to prevent further disease.
Following these instructions will ensure the best possible healing after your extraction.
The Do's and Don'ts after a Tooth Extraction
It is important to know the basic dos and don'ts following your extraction to ensure you heal and can get back to your life as normal. These post-operative instructions include:
Do's:
Use cotton gauze to stop any sort of bleeding.
Use an ice pack for pain or swelling.
Brush slowly even if you are requested to brush regularly.
Drink plenty of water.
Don't:
Do not eat or drink anything, especially solid foods, just after your tooth extraction.
Do not smoke.
Do not take Aspirin tablets.
These are some of the common measures given by the American Dental Association.
Contact Our Florida Dentists
If you or a loved one is in need of a tooth extraction, contact Smile 4 Me Dental. We have the knowledge, skills, and expertise to provide you the best possible tooth extraction experience with as minimal discomfort as we can. We are here to ensure your smile is everything you are hoping for, so call today to schedule an appointment with our dental team.