You may determine that you need a tooth extraction
for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely
decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a
way that cannot be repaired.
Other teeth may need removal because they are
poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for
orthodontic treatment.
The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems
related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting
teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.
To avoid these complications, in most cases dentists will
discuss alternatives to extractions as well replacement of the extracted tooth.
The Extraction Process
At the time of extraction the doctor will need to
numb your tooth, jawbone and gums that surround the area with a local
anesthetic.
During the extraction process you will feel a lot of
pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to
widen the socket for removal.
You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic
has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that
transmit pressure are not profoundly affected.
If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction
please let us know right away.
Sectioning a tooth
Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common
procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or the root is
curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. The doctor simply cuts
the tooth into sections then removes each section one at a time.
After Tooth Extraction
After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood
clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. Bite on a
gauze pad for 30-45 minutes immediately after the appointment. If the bleeding
or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another
30 minutes. You may have to do this several times to staunch the flow of blood.
After the blood clot forms it is important to not
disturb or dislodge the clot. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke,
drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These
activities may dislodge or dissolve the clot and hinder the healing process.
Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours, as this increases blood pressure
and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.
After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain
and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or
corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications
as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
Use pain medication as directed. Call our office if
the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed,
continue to take them for the indicated length of time even if signs and
symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious, soft
food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are
comfortable.
It is important to resume your normal dental routine
after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least
once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
After a few days you should feel fine and can resume
your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued
swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office
immediately.