Tooth removal procedure medically termed as tooth extraction is basically an adult dental procedure even after they have permanent teeth. Some reasons behind the tooth removal are mentioned below:
- Crowded teeth
- Dental trauma
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay or infection
This blog compiles every piece of necessary information related to this dental treatment procedure especially recovery tips. Read on to learn more about tooth extraction.
In what ways tooth extraction is done?
At first, a dental appointment has to be arranged with the oral surgeon or dentist for tooth extraction. At the beginning of the process a local anaesthesia will be injected for numbing the operative spot so that you fail to experience the excruciating pain. But at the same time, you will be well aware of the surroundings and the things happening around you.
Usually a strong general anaesthesia is given for multiple tooth extraction or tooth extraction in kids. This can cause the kid or you to sleep during the removal period. Simple extraction is mainly performed by using a device known as an elevator.
This helps in rocking the tooth forth and back until it becomes loose and comes off! Dental forceps is used for removing the infected or decayed tooth causing a vacancy to replace with!
Impacted or molar teeth
For removing any impacted or molar tooth, a surgery is performed to carry out the extraction as it sits into the gums perfectly. At first, dental surgeon will do an incision at the site to cut off the gum and bone tissue surrounding the tooth. Then forceps come into use to assist surgeon in uprooting the infected tooth completely from its own position.
However, sometimes the tooth extraction procedure seems quite complex and in such cases, complex surgical extraction is opted to conduct after applying general anaesthesia to the patient. A blood clot is likely to occur in its socket once the infected tooth is uprooted. Basically, a pack of gauze pad is effective to block the bleeding or else few stitches needed to be done to stop blood flow.
Tooth extraction aftercare
Aftercare is completely relied on extraction type and tooth location but it is expected to heal within 7-10 days. In the meantime, you should rest assure that there is no blood flow from the socket and retains the blood clot in its socket. Otherwise, dislodging will lead to painful dry socket which needs to be treated by your dentist immediately.
Healing can be accomplished quickly with the incorporation of the below-mentioned tips:
- Painkillers should be taken as prescribed
- The gauze pad must be left in tooth’s socket for at least 3-4 hours post extraction
- Application of ice bag for about 10 minutes is really effective right after the extraction. Never apply it for long as it can cause tissue damage
- Take rest for a day once the surgery is done and perform daily activity in a limit at least for the next couple of days
- Take care that blood clot doesn’t dislodge for a few days of the procedure and so use straw and avoid spitting and rinsing the mouth
- After a day of the procedure rinse the mouth by salt solution prepared from dissolving salt in warm water
- Refrain from smoking
- Make sure to keep head up by using pillows during sleeping otherwise flat lying will prolong recovery
- Continue flossing and brushing the teeth gently for avoiding the chance of infection
Foods to consume post tooth extraction procedure
During healing period, you should have soft foods and liquids like the following:
- Applesauce
- Yogurt
- Pudding
- Soup
Also smoothies can be included in your modified and new diet chart which should be consumed by a spoon. Consumption of solid foods will be easier as the extraction spot heals and recovers. But it is highly recommended to continue with soft foods for about a week post tooth extraction.
Pain management after tooth extraction
Pain, soreness and discomfort are more likely to experience post tooth extraction procedure. Normally, there will be swelling in your fact at the same time. The doctor-prescribed painkillers can offer relief to some extent from these symptoms. Sometimes OTC (over-the-counter) medicine is also prescribed to the patients as well.
Generally discomfort and pain gets subsided on its own after a few days. Else, to manage pain after a tooth extraction you have to visit your dentist. But if it worsens suddenly after a few days of the procedure then it may be a sign of dental emergency which needs to be addressed on an early basis for the prevention of infection.
Conclusion
Within a week or two of healing period, you will be able to get back into your daily diet. In the meantime, gum tissue and new bone gets developed in the extraction spot too.
But a missing tooth results in teeth dislocation badly affecting the bite. At that time, you need immediate tooth replacement for the missing one. You can visit this website to book an appointment immediately to get it done with a denture, fixed bridge or an implant.