After Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is one of the most common procedures performed by dentists. It is the third most common procedure done by dental professionals. But what happens after the extraction? What things should you do to ensure your mouth heals properly?
After tooth extraction, there is a heightened risk of infection. Avoid eating anything hard, like apples, carrots, celery, nuts, popcorn, ice cream, etc. These foods can cause damage to the soft tissue surrounding the teeth and gum line. If you eat something hard, it could lead to swelling and bruising around the area where the tooth was removed.
You shouldn’t brush immediately following the procedure because it might irritate the wound. Instead, wait about 48 hours. When brushing, use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and don’t scrub too vigorously. Also, try to keep the area clean. Don’t smoke, chew tobacco, drink alcohol, or use drugs.
If you experience severe pain, you should see your dentist. They will likely prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. Sometimes, patients feel numbness or tingling in the affected areas. This is normal and usually goes away within a few days.
The best way to heal is to follow the instructions given to you by your dentist and doctor.
What Is A Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction is the removal of one or several teeth. A dentist removes a tooth because it no longer functions correctly or needs to be replaced due to decay. Sometimes, there are complications during the procedure, such as bleeding or infection. In these cases, the dentist may need to perform additional procedures.
When Is Tooth Extraction Recommended?
You probably know what it entails if you’re looking into getting a tooth pulled. But did you know that the procedure isn’t always necessary? Some teeth are perfectly healthy and can be saved without falling under the knife. If you’ve been considering extracting a tooth, here’s how to determine whether or not it makes sense.
Tooth Extraction vs. Root Canal
The difference between a root canal and extraction is pretty simple: a root canal involves drilling into the pulp chamber, cleaning out the area, filling it up, and sealing it off. An extraction takes the tooth entirely out of the mouth. Both procedures involve anesthesia and pain medication, and both require a trip to the dentist.
Factors are involved in determining whether or not a particular tooth needs to come out. For example, if the nerve inside the tooth is damaged, it could cause severe pain even if it looks fine. This damage usually occurs because of trauma, such as a fall or injury. Another common reason for needing an extraction is decay.
Who performs tooth extraction?
A dentist is qualified to perform extractions. However, they often work with other medical specialists to ensure everything runs smoothly. The dentist may refer you to another specialist specializing in oral surgery, such as an oral surgeon or periodontist.
The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons states that general dentists perform about half of all extractions. However, oral surgeons do about 20% of the work. In some cases, both types of doctors perform the same procedure. The third type of doctor, endodontists, specializes in root canal therapy. They treat infections inside the tooth rather than remove them.
How Long Does Tooth Extraction Take?
Depending on the tooth extracted, the entire process can last anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. It all depends on the time needed to safely remove the tooth.
Is Tooth Extraction Painful?
Yes, but it doesn’t have to be! There are many ways to make the procedure less uncomfortable:
- The dentist will apply numbing medicine to the gums before starting the procedure.
- The dentist will give you sedation so you won’t feel any pain.
- The dentist will explain everything to you beforehand, so you understand what’s happening.
What Is Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from the mouth. This is usually necessary because of infection, trauma, or extensive decay. During the procedure, the dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth along with any surrounding tissue. Afterward, they fill the empty space with a material called pulp capping. Pulp capping consists of calcium hydroxide or mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Once the area is filled, sutures are placed over the gums to help close the wound.
When Should I Have My Teeth Removed?
There are many reasons why you might want to have your teeth extracted. You could benefit from having the infected tissues removed if you have severe gum disease. You could also benefit from removing your wisdom teeth if they cause problems while eating or sleeping. Your dentist can determine whether you need to have your teeth extracted based on how much bone is lost around the teeth.
What Happens Before A Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extractions relieve severe dental pain and prevent further damage to teeth. They are often recommended for infection, decay, or trauma to the tooth. Sometimes, the tooth must come out because it cannot be saved.
Before the tooth is extracted, we numb the area around the tooth. We use local anesthesia to help reduce discomfort during the procedure. If necessary, we administer sedation to make the patient comfortable. Once the tooth is removed, we clean up the surgical field and close the wound.
Please call our office if you have questions about what happens before tooth extraction.
Sedation Options In Dentistry
The dental industry is undergoing a significant shift. It’s been happening since the early 2000s, but we are seeing some exciting changes. Dentists are looking for ways to make their practices more efficient while patients demand better care. One way to accomplish both goals is sedation dentistry.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in sedation dentistry. Sedation allows patients to relax during procedures, reducing anxiety and discomfort. It also will enable dentists to perform specific treatments without using local anesthesia. This is especially helpful for children because many don’t like shots and have difficulty tolerating pain.
There are several different types of sedatives used today. Some work quickly; others take longer to kick in. They vary in strength, too. Even sedation levels vary depending on how long the procedure lasts. For example, conscious sedation is milder than general anesthesia, which is stronger.
Here are some common sedative choices:
• Nitrous oxide — A gas administered via a mask that causes relaxation and euphoria.
• Propofol — An intravenous drug that induces sleep.
• Midazolam — A benzodiazepine that produces drowsiness and amnesia.
Oral Conscious Sedation
The American Dental Association recommends oral conscious sedation for patients fearful of dental treatment. This includes nitrous oxide gas, intravenous sedative medications, and local anesthesia. Oral conscious sedation allows dentists to administer medicines without using general anesthesia. Patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure.
What Happens During A Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction can be done in one of three ways. If the tooth is fully exposed and you can see the root, the dentist can use a dental drill to extract the tooth. This is usually done under local anesthesia.
If the tooth is partially covered by gum tissue, the dentist might try to gently pull out the tooth without damaging surrounding tissues. This procedure is known as soft tissue extraction.
The dentist must perform surgery to remove the tooth when the tooth is completely embedded within the bone. This type of extraction requires general anesthesia.
What Happens After A Tooth Extraction?
Teeth tend to move together following an extraction, causing gaps between the teeth and crooked teeth. This makes it difficult to place implants correctly. In addition, there are several risks associated with placing implants. To prevent these issues, dentists recommend extracting the tooth and replacing it with another one.
What Are The Advantages Of Pulling A Tooth?
A healthy mouth will benefit from keeping all of its teeth intact. This includes wisdom teeth since it is common for people to lose one or more of those teeth early in life. If you do pull a tooth, there are many benefits to doing so. Your dentist will explain what happens during the procedure and how long it takes to recover.
The most apparent advantage of extracting a tooth is that it relieves pressure on the nerve inside the socket. Bacteria grow around a tooth’s root when a tooth becomes infected. This causes swelling and inflammation. As the infection spreads, the surrounding bone begins to die off. Eventually, the bone completely dies away, and the tooth falls out. Pulling the tooth allows the gum tissue to heal over the empty space.
Another reason to extract a tooth is that it prevents future problems. For example, if you have a cavity in a molar, you might consider extracting the tooth rather than filling it. Filling the cavity could lead to further decay. In addition, if you have a large impacted wisdom tooth, your dentist may recommend extracting it. Impacted wisdom teeth are often difficult to clean properly, leading to infections. Once the tooth is pulled, it is easier to keep the area clean.
If you decide to pull a tooth, promptly schedule an appointment with your dentist.
What Are The Risks Or Complications Of Tooth Extraction?
Tooth decay is one of the most common diseases affecting people today. It affects almost half of all Americans over age 65. Tooth decay can lead to pain, infection, and even tooth loss if left untreated. Fortunately, there are ways to treat tooth decay without extracting the affected tooth.
The best way to prevent tooth decay is to brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss once daily. However, if you do develop tooth decay, it is essential to seek treatment immediately. Tooth decay can spread quickly and become very painful. You should see a dentist as soon as possible if you have tooth decay.
If you decide to have a tooth extracted, it is essential to understand what happens during each step of the process:
- You will likely receive local anesthesia. This numbs the area around the tooth being treated.
- The tooth will be carefully drilled out.
- The tooth root will be pulled out, and the cavity will be cleaned.
- The tooth socket will be filled with a filling material.
As long as you follow proper dental hygiene procedures, you should be able to keep your remaining teeth healthy.
What Are The Side Effects Of Removing A Tooth?
Your dentist will remove the damaged portion of the tooth and save what’s left. This process can help preserve your remaining teeth and prevent further damage. In some cases, the root canal procedure might even be necessary. Removing the infected area won’t cause permanent damage to your mouth or jawbone. However, you might experience temporary pain while your dentist removes the tooth.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Tooth Extraction?
After tooth extraction, it takes several days for you to fully recover. You might feel sore and experience some discomfort, especially around the site of the extraction. You’ll likely notice bruising and tenderness around the mouth. Swelling will go down within a few days. If you’re experiencing pain, you can use over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen.
You should avoid strenuous activity for up to seven days following surgery. You shouldn’t eat anything crunchy or chewy, including food items like popcorn, nuts, and candy. This includes crackers, cookies, chips, pretzels, and even hard candies. These are high in sugar and could cause additional swelling.
The best thing you can do for yourself is rest and relax. Your recovery period depends on how much bone was removed during the procedure. For example, if a small amount of bone was taken out, you may be able to return to work immediately. However, if a large amount of bone was removed, you may want to wait until the swelling goes down before returning to work.
If you smoke, try to stop now. Smoking causes plaque buildup on teeth, which makes it easier for bacteria to grow and form cavities. Even though smoking isn’t good for your overall health, quitting can help prevent future problems.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
After tooth extraction, it is essential to follow some postoperative instructions. These include avoiding rinsing the oral cavity until the bleeding stops, avoiding smoking, drinking alcohol, consuming spicy food, chewing gum, taking over-the-counter medications, eating healthy, and drinking enough fluids. Call our office immediately if you experience discomfort, and consult us if you have any questions regarding your treatment.
If you are experiencing severe pain following your procedure, call your dentist immediately. You should feel comfortable during recovery.
Keep The Extraction Site Clean
Deep cleanings are necessary to keep teeth healthy. But it’s important to remember that scaling and root planning help eliminate cavities and periodontal disease. And while a deep cleaning can cause discomfort, most patients find it tolerable.
The best way to avoid post-procedure complications is to clean the extraction area. You can use a soft brush to gently scrub the area around the tooth. Then rinse thoroughly with water. If you notice bleeding or swelling, call your dentist immediately.
What Can I Eat After A Tooth Extraction?
The American Dental Association recommends avoiding foods high in calcium and phosphorus, such as milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream, etc., for the first 24 hours after a simple tooth extraction procedure. This includes soft drinks, juices, and anything else containing added sugar.
The reason behind this recommendation is that it helps prevent bleeding and swelling around the area where the tooth was removed. If you consume something sweet, try limiting yourself to one serving daily. Also, avoid drinking liquids that are too cold or hot. Cold beverages tend to cause pain, while warm ones can irritate the gums.
When should I see my healthcare provider?
A dental appointment is a great way to check your oral health. But it doesn’t mean you have to schedule one every six months. Here are some signs you might want to consider seeing your dentist sooner rather than later.
You Have Bad Breath
It could indicate gum disease if you notice that your breath stinks even though you brush regularly. You’ll likely experience pain while chewing food if you have gum disease. Your gums may bleed easily when brushing too hard, or you may feel tenderness around your gums.
You Feel Pain When Eating Hard Foods
You may be experiencing tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria enter your mouth and eat away at your enamel, causing cavities. Cavities can lead to inflammation of the gums and cause bleeding. They can also spread throughout your jawbone and become infected.
You Smell Like Garlic
Garlic is a natural antibacterial agent, and it helps prevent plaque buildup. However, garlic smells like garlic, no matter how much you eat. If you smell like garlic, you may have a problem with halitosis. Halitosis is caused by bacteria growing in your mouth and throat.
A Note From Soft Touch Dentistry
After a deep cleanse, it’s essential to keep your mouth healthy. Your toothbrush might feel rough against your gums, but don’t worry — there are ways to avoid hurting yourself while brushing. Here are some tips from Dr. Andrew Owyoung, DDS, owner of Soft Touch Dentistry in Sacramento, California.
Brushing Too Hard Can Hurt Gums
Brush gently. When you’re brushing your teeth, use short strokes along the gumline. Avoid pressing down on your toothbrush too much; this can cause damage to your gums. If you’re having trouble keeping your gums away from the bristles of your toothbrush, try switching toothbrushes. A softer, rounded bristle brush might work better for you.
Brush After You Eat
If you eat something sweet, like ice cream or candy, wait 15 minutes before brushing your teeth. This gives saliva enough time to neutralize the acidity of those sugary treats.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride strengthens your teeth and prevents cavities. It also reduces sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. Look for fluoride-containing toothpaste in the drugstore.
Our dentists can tell if you need more extensive treatment or not. We’re available to answer your questions. Schedule an appointment if you notice any changes in your mouth. Call us or send us a message.
