Your Fact-Packed Guide to Tooth Extraction

If you need to get a tooth extraction, you may be unaware, unprepared, or simply scared of the procedure. But today, having a tooth pulled by an affordable dentist is a common way to prevent a lot of the pain and problems that come from troublesome teeth. To help you prepare for the procedure, take a look at these tips for a smooth tooth extraction.

Should you require a tooth extraction, you must provide your full medical and dental history so your affordable dentist in Indiana is aware of any conditions that could cause complications. You may be advised to switch medications or put on antibiotics to reduce the risk of problems.

Your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction for many different reasons. Most often, it’s due to a tooth that been badly decayed or damaged beyond repair. But it’s also prescribed when the mouth’s overcrowded, for reducing the risk of infection, or when gum disease has caused teeth to loosen.

When you’re ready to have the tooth extraction, the procedure will be performed by either your dentist or an oral surgeon, depending on the complexity of the case. For a simple extraction, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic to prevent any discomfort. If the extraction seems more difficult or multiple teeth will be removed, you’ll be referred to an oral surgeon and get a stronger general anesthetic to prevent any pain and make you sleep through the procedure.

After the tooth has been extracted, a blood clot will form in the socket to allow for proper healing. You must be very careful not to disturb this clot, especially in the first few hours after surgery. If the blood clot happens to break, you will experience a painful condition called dry socket, which will require your dentist to place a sedative dressing over the socket to form a new clot.

After you’ve had the tooth extraction, it’s important to follow your dentist’s dental care directions. While the initial recovery takes up to two weeks, you can ease your discomfort and reduce your risk of infection by following these simple steps:

• Take pain medication as prescribed.
• Apply ice packs to the area immediately after the tooth extraction to reduce any swelling.
• Do not rinse your mouth for 24 hours after the procedure to allow the blood clot to fully form. After 24 hours, rinse with lightly salted warm water to cleanse the area.
• Eat soft foods only, such as soup and yogurt, and avoid drinking from a straw for a full day after the tooth extraction. Slowly add firmer foods to your diet as your recovery progresses.
• Relax for a full day after the extraction and then limit activity for the following few days.
• Continue your normal dental care routine of brushing and flossing your teeth, but stay away from the tooth extraction area to avoid infection and complications.
• Do not smoke since it can hinder your healing and health.

Rest assured that it’s normal to have some slight pain, swelling, and bleeding in the first 24 hours after a tooth extraction. However, if any of these conditions are still severe more than four hours after the surgery, call your affordable dentist immediately.

You should also alert your dentist if you experience signs of infection such as fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, shortness of breath, or other extreme discomfort. Know that these complications are very rare and they’re easy to treat with a rapid response.

To get the dental care you deserve from an affordable dentist in Indiana, call Wadas Dental today or make an appointment.