admin
Oct 27, 2021
The mere thought of tooth extraction can send chills down your spine. However, you may be surprised to know that it is not as intimidating as you might think. Although dentist Hope Island try their best to save the natural tooth, sometimes extraction can become necessary to keep the surrounding teeth safe from damage.
Also, the practitioner makes the procedure as painless as possible so that it causes the least suffering for the patient. You can make it even more stress-free by preparing for the treatment by understanding the procedure and getting ready for it. Here is what you need to know before tooth extraction.
When Is Tooth Extraction Required?
Usually, tooth extraction is the last resort, and it can become essential when the tooth is completely damaged or is irreparable. It is also needed when a tooth is almost knocked out in an accident or has become loose due to gum disease and is hanging only by a thread of the gum tissue.
In addition, the dentist will suggest an extraction when the teeth are overcrowded, and there is not ample space for them to grow. An extraction helps in creating the space. Also, wisdom teeth need extraction if they are repeatedly infected and cause pain.
What to Inform the Dentist Before Extraction?
During the first consultation, the dentist will provide you with all the required information about the procedure. You must clarify your doubts at this point and honestly inform the practitioner about your medical history and ongoing medications.
Do not forget to mention the supplements that you are taking for fitness. Provide every detail, including a compromised immune system, heart ailments, history of bacterial endocarditis, liver problems, or an artificial replacement of joints.
It is necessary to provide all this information as this can increase the probability of infection, and the practitioner will keep it in mind during the extraction.
What Happens During the Treatment?
Tooth extraction can be done in two ways – a simple extraction and a surgical extraction. During the simple extraction, the tooth is removed from the mouth after numbing the tooth and the gum tissue with a local anaesthetic.
The dentist then loosens the tooth with the help of an instrument and pulls it out with dental forceps. A surgical extraction involves an invasive procedure for a tooth that is broken near the gum line, as it is not possible to loosen it with instruments.
The dentist or oral surgeon makes an incision in the gum after numbing it and then removes the broken tooth.
What Happens After Extraction?
After the removal of the tooth, the dentist will place sterile gauze in the socket to stop the bleeding and will ask you to bite on it. The dentist may also place some stitches near the gum edges if required. The gauze must be kept in the socket for up to 45 minutes to ensure clotting and quick recovery.
After some time, the numbing effect will wear off, and you will start feeling the pain. You must put an icepack on the side of the face to reduce the swelling and pain after every 10 minutes. However, do not keep it on the face for too long as it can affect the tissues. The dentist will prescribe painkillers to manage the pain and reduce the discomfort.
What Are the Before and Aftercare Instructions?
Here are a few pointers that you need to keep in mind when you have to undergo tooth extraction.
- Do not eat anything a few hours before the extraction as a heavy meal prior to the treatment can lead to nausea.
- Brush your teeth before the treatment to remove food stuck between teeth.
- Quit smoking for a few days when you have a tooth extraction, as the chemicals present in cigarettes impact oral health. It can cause a dry socket after the extraction and lead to complications. Thus, it must be stopped completely for a few days.
- Ask a family member or a friend to accompany you so that they can drive you home after the extraction.
- After the treatment, rest for the next 24 hours and keep yourself in an upright position for as long as possible to reduce bleeding.
- Do not rinse or spit for 24 hours to avoid the clot from getting dislodged. Also, do not use straws for drinking.
- Do saline water gargles with warm water and salt up to 4-5 times a day after 24 hours of the extraction.
- Do not drink any hot beverages or drinks and stick to soft foods like applesauce, plain ice cream, and yoghurt.
- Start brushing and flossing as usual from the next day without touching the extraction site.
- Contact your dentist immediately if you experience symptoms like fever, vomiting, bleeding, chest pain, shortness of breath, excruciating pain in the jaw, etc.
Conclusion
If you have been advised of tooth extraction by your dentist in Hope Island, it is imperative to understand the procedure and the before and after precautions. It helps in making the process safe, smooth, and tension-free.
