What Can I Expect During Tooth Extractions?
Getting one’s teeth removed is never a joy ride. Nobody anticipates a pediatric dentist in 48180 poking through one’s mouth with the scary instruments trying to pull a tooth off. However, it so happens that from time to time, someone always needs to get the troublesome tooth removed. What can you expect when you go for tooth extraction near you? Let us find out in this article.
Tooth extraction is usually done for several reasons. Wisdom teeth removal is a common occurrence for many teenagers and some adults. The wisdom teeth are the third molars that appear at the back of the mouth later on in the teenage years. Sometimes, they fail to erupt fully or grow abnormally, causing pain. Extensive tooth decay and infection require extraction too. Some dentists advise getting your tooth pulled before using braces if your teeth are crowded. This will help others shift into place. People undergoing chemotherapy or waiting for an organ transplant often use drugs that lower their immunity. Having a problem tooth before the treatment can lead to further complications hence a tooth extraction is necessary.
What Is A Simple Dental Extraction?
In a simple dental extraction, the tooth to be removed is visible above the surface of the gums. Hence, all the dentist needs to do is numb the area around the tooth and remove using the instruments. It’s usually painless although some pressure may be felt. It’s different from surgical dental extractions where a person has to be put to sleep (not all cases), the gum is cut into and the teeth are removed.
How Painful Is A Tooth Extraction?
The tooth extraction procedure itself is usually painless. This is because anesthesia is given before extraction. All one should feel during a simple extraction is some pressure while the removal is underway. A person put to sleep during a surgical extraction feels nothing all through.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Tooth Extraction?
Usually a few days at most. Many say 3-4 days should be enough for most people to return to their lives as usual. Complete healing of the area could take up to a month though and this will lead us into a mention of what to do and what to avoid during recovery.
Do’s And Don’ts After Tooth Extraction?
Follow the dentist’s instructions. Most times, this is all you will need.
- An ice pack will be very useful. Apply to cheek immediately after the procedure and randomly after for 10 minutes each time. It helps to reduce swelling.
- Take your drugs properly.
- It is advisable to stay in bed for the first day.
- Do not use a straw or smoke for the first day.
- Avoid rinsing the mouth thoroughly for the first day. Spit only and do that gently. After the first day, try salt water rinses. Check out our piece on saltwater rinses.
- Brush your teeth as usual. Avoid the extraction site though.
- Use pillows at night. Keep the mouth elevated.
- Take soft foods only. Chewing isn’t anyone’s forte after an extraction. Slowly reintroduce your normal diet over the next few days.
What Are The Risks Of Tooth Extraction?
There are a few risks involved in removing your tooth. Rest assured that your dentist will only recommend the procedure because the benefits outweigh the risks if any. After tooth extraction, a blood clot should form at the site of bleeding. This usually falls at the socket (the hole in the bone where the tooth is removed). Sometimes, the blood clot fails to form or gets dislodged from this site. This exposes the bone inside the socket and is referred to as a ‘dry socket’. Your dentist knows what to do if this happens. Putting a sedative dressing on it over the next few days solves the problem.
Another risk is that of excessive bleeding. Any bleeding that lasts more than 12 hours after extraction falls into this category. Some people experience chills, fever, swelling, and redness after extraction. For others, it is nausea and vomiting.
A pediatric dentist in Taylor, MI is the go-to professional for any dental procedure.