More Than a Mouthful on Tooth Extraction

When people talk about tooth extraction, they’re referring to the procedure where a tooth is pulled from its place in the bone. While it may seem and sound uncomfortable, it’s actually a source of great relief from dental pain and problems. For a better understanding of tooth extraction, take a look at this useful guide filled with details on what it entails.

The two types of tooth extractions are:

1. A simple tooth extraction, which is performed by your general dentist when the tooth is easy to remove. Most simple extractions only require a local anesthetic to numb any discomfort.
2. A surgical extraction that’s performed by an oral surgeon when the removal is more complex. This calls for a stronger general anesthetic, which allows you to sleep through the procedure and prevents any pain.

Tooth extractions are performed for many different reasons. Most often, they’re suggested when a tooth is damaged beyond repair, but they’re also advised if the mouth is overcrowded, to help with spacing for braces, if there’s a risk that the tooth could cause infection, or if the problem involves wisdom teeth.

Your affordable dentist will take some x-rays for a complete view of the problem before you have a tooth extraction. You will need to share your medical and dental history, along with your medications and allergies, to avoid any complications. Then, you’ll be given instructions for the day of the procedure, such as avoiding eating or drinking for eight hours before the extraction, as well as arranging to have a person that will drive you home and stay with you.

After the tooth extraction, a piece of gauze will be placed over the wound to encourage a blood clot to form. Be careful not to touch or disturb this clot since it helps with proper healing.

To ensure a speedy recovery, be sure to follow your dentist’s directions for at-home dental care. After a simple extraction, you can expect some minor pain and swelling, but you’ll probably be given a pain reliever to ease any discomfort. Since surgical extractions are more complex, they usually cause a little more pain. This is why surgeons prescribe pain medication for the first few days after surgery. In addition to taking these medications, use these five tips for relief in recovery:

1. Reduce swelling on your face by applying cool ice packs.
2. Decrease soreness and stiffness in your jaw by placing warm compresses over the area.
3. After 24 hours, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep the area clean.
4. Do not drink though a straw, spit, or smoke after surgery since these actions can disturb the blood clot.
5. Eat only soft foods for the first few days, and then add firmer foods as you start to heal.

Be aware that initial healing takes at least two weeks, so be extremely careful around the wound to avoid causing complications. The most frequent problem is dry socket, which is a painful condition that occurs when the blood clot is prevented from fully forming. Dry socket must be treated immediately to allow for proper healing.

You may also want to call your dentist in Sweetwater if you experience other problems, such as severe swelling, extreme redness, ongoing bleeding, fever, chills, difficulty swallowing, prolonged numbness, or sharp pains around the tooth extraction area. While these issues may be cause for concern, your dentist can treat all of the troubles and help you get back on the road to recovery.

To get the dental care you deserve from an affordable dentist in Sweetwater, call Sweetwater Smiles today at (321) 594-2628 or make an appointment.

Advanced Dental Care offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in Sweetwater. With 21 affiliated practices throughout Florida, our offices are conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At Sweetwater Smiles, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at Sweetwater Smiles.