Have You Been Advised Tooth Extraction — Understand What You Can Expect From the Procedure

Despite permanent teeth expected to last for a lifetime many reasons may compel you to have a tooth extracted. You may have teeth that are badly damaged from trauma or decay which are difficult to repair. If you are suffering from a periodontal disease which would have affected the tissues and bones surrounding and supporting the teeth it may have left you with a set of loose teeth in your mouth making it necessary for you to undergo the extraction. You may also have stayed away from dental exams and cleaning and not cared for your oral hygiene properly. While the thought of having your teeth extracted is scary you can find some relief by understanding what to expect from the procedure when you visit your dentist for the tooth extraction.

What Can You Expect With Tooth Extraction?

The procedure is performed by oral surgeons or dentists who are experienced and have received the training needed for this job. Your dentist will administer sedation dentistry in some cases to ensure you will not feel any pain throughout your body or could even be asleep through the procedure. Normally, dentists administer local anesthesia to numb the area from where the tooth will be extracted.

If you have impacted tooth the gum and bone tissue covering the tooth will be cut away by the dentist before using forceps to grasp the tooth and loosen it by rocking it back-and-forth. On occasions, a difficult to pull tooth may be extracted in pieces.

After the tooth has been extracted you can expect a blood clot to form in the socket. The dentist will provide you the assistance needed to stop the bleeding or may insert self-dissolving sutures to close the edges of the gum over the extraction site. You will even be provided with a sedative dressing if the blood clot in the socket breaks loose to expose the bone.

Discuss With Your Dentist Before The Extraction

Tooth extraction is relatively safe as many people throughout the United States are having a tooth pulled out regularly. However, the procedure can allow harmful bacteria into your bloodstream. The risk of infection is also present for your gum tissue. You may need to ingest antibiotics if you are at high risk for developing infections before and after the extraction. Therefore, before you walk in for the procedure it is suggested that you discuss with your dentist your complete medical history including any medications and supplements you are taking. The discussion should include information about the following:

• Do you have a history of bacterial endocarditis?
• Do you have an impaired immune system?
• Are you suffering from liver cirrhosis?
• Are you using man-made heart valves?
• Do you have artificial joints such as hip replacements?

Information about all the above must be provided to your dentist to make sure he or she takes any precautions needed to care for your overall medical condition.

Aftercare

You will not be required to remain with the dentist after the procedure is completed and the dentist will send you home to recover which normally takes a few days. You could be suffering from pain and will, therefore, be prescribed painkillers by the dentist for relief. You must ingest the painkillers as recommended because it can minimize discomfort and hasten recovery. You can expect some swelling and residual bleeding even after 24 hours of the procedure. This is quite normal unless the bleeding of pain become severe even after four hours of the tooth being extracted. In such cases, you should contact your dentist for assistance as well as give him or her information about the following:

• Are you exhibiting signs of fever or chills?
• Do you experience nausea or vomiting?
• Is there any swelling, redness, or excessive discharge from the affected area?
• Do you feel any shortness in breath, severe nausea or vomiting, cough or chest pain?

The initial healing period usually lasts for 1 to 2 weeks to allow fresh bone and gum tissue to grow in the gap. With time, the extracted tooth can cause the remaining teeth to shift making it difficult for you to chew and affecting your bite. This will also affect your smile and leave you with crooked teeth. After you have taken measures to rectify this problem you may be recommended Invisalign by your dentist to straighten your teeth.

As it can be seen tooth extraction is not a scary procedure and can be completed without any concerns unless you are affected by some of the conditions described earlier. Having this information in your possession will make you confident to approach your dentist for the tooth extraction without fears.