What You Need To Know About Dental Extractions
Your dental problem might be severe and untreatable through any other treatment procedure. Therefore, the dentist might recommend a tooth extraction.
Do you have a dental problem that is not treatable through dental restorative procedures? In such a case, your dentist might recommend a tooth extraction procedure to remove the damaged teeth. By removing the damaged tooth, you prevent dental problems such as infections and bone loss.
When your tooth is infected, the infection might spread to the gums, jaw, and adjacent teeth. Therefore, your dentist will remove the infected tooth, preventing the risk of infection from spreading to other teeth.
Your dentist might recommend a tooth extraction if you have impacted wisdom teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth are the last molars that develop at the jaw’s back but don’t erupt due to lack of enough space. If the impacted wisdom teeth are causing pain, discomfort, or risks of further complications, the dentist will recommend extraction.
If you are getting orthodontic treatment or dentures, the dentist might recommend dental extractions to remove teeth that may hinder your treatments.
Types of Tooth Extractions
When you visit the dentist for tooth extractions, the dentist will recommend a treatment procedure, depending on your condition. The shape, size, location, and position of the tooth will influence the type of tooth extraction.
Your dentist might classify a tooth extraction as surgical or simple. When your tooth is visible and removable in one piece, the dentist will recommend a simple tooth extraction. Your dentist will recommend a surgical procedure for impacted teeth since it involves making an incision on the gums, jaw and cutting the teeth.
Preparing For A Tooth Extraction
If you need a tooth extraction, your dentist will recommend a consultation before the treatment procedure. During the consultation, your dentist will examine your teeth to ensure tooth removal is suitable for you. The dentist might recommend dental x-rays to check the extent of the damage.
Next, your dentist will review your medical history to avoid complications during the tooth extraction procedure. Some medications might cause complications during the dental extraction procedure. Therefore, you should notify your dentist to adjust your treatment plan, reducing the risk of complications.
Your dentist in Okemos might recommend some medications before the surgery for the following reasons:
Stop Blood Thinners
Your dentist might recommend some medications to stimulate blood clots’ formation in the blood vessels during a tooth removal procedure. If you have taken blood-thinning medications, the dentist or oral surgeon can control bleeding by doing the following:
- Using topical blood clotting medications on the gums
- Stitching the site of tooth extraction
- Covering the site of extraction with a dissolvable gauze or foam
However, if you take blood thinners, you should consider telling your dentist or oral surgeon during the consultation.
Antibiotics
Sometimes the dentist might recommend antibiotics to eliminate infections on your teeth or gums. If you have symptoms of fever, malaise, or swelling, the dentist might recommend antibiotics.
Tooth Extraction Procedure
After the consultation, your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the site of the surgery. Depending on the number of teeth that require extraction, your dentist might recommend general anesthesia.
After numbing the teeth, your dentist will use a tool known as an elevator to loosen the tooth. The dentist will then use forceps to lift the tooth from the gums as a whole. For impacted teeth, your dentist or oral surgeon will cut through the gums and jaws. Your dentist will then cut the teeth and remove them in pieces.
Depending on the type of anesthesia, your dentist might recommend you rest before going home.
Recovery And Tooth Extraction Care
For fast recovery after a tooth extraction, your dentist might recommend the following:
- Apply a cold compress on the cheek directly to reduce swelling
- Bite down a gauze pad to control bleeding or a teabag
- Avoid eating hard foodstuffs.
- Don’t drink water for the first 24 hours to keep the blood clot intact.
- Avoid smoking since it slows recovery.
- Rinse your mouth after 24 hours using warm saline water to prevent infections in the socket
- To control pain, you can use pain-relieving medications prescribed by your dentist or oral surgeon.
If you develop any complications after a tooth extraction, you can contact our dentist at Okemos Smile Center for treatments. During the recovery period, you can brush your teeth regularly without pricking the socket.