When a natural tooth cannot be saved and is no longer viable, tooth extraction is often the only option. Although no one wishes to have a tooth removed, educating yourself on the process may help to alleviate some of the anxiety associated with extractions. Whether a tooth needs to be extracted due to tooth decay, injury or complications from gum disease, it is helpful to know the answers to the most common questions before going forward with the procedure.
These are the most frequently asked questions encountered pertaining to tooth extractions:
During the procedure, local anesthesia is used to numb the tooth prior to extraction. This is meant to dull any pain while the procedure is taking place. Many teeth that need to be extracted have nerves that are dead or dying, which means the tooth may not be able to send pain signals out. For this reason, the actual tooth may not feel any pain — but the tissue and jawbone around it can still hurt. The anesthesia should be able to lessen this pain.
After the procedure, the pain may set in. Over-the-counter painkillers should do well to lessen the pain while the area heals. The dentist may prescribe painkillers if the surgery is expected to be complicated. An antibiotic is usually prescribed to prevent infection.
It is recommended to take over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen immediately following the procedure (while still numb) to get ahead of any discomfort as the anesthesia wears off.
Dentists will provide detailed instructions for at-home care after the tooth extraction. Each extraction is different, and the dentist will work with the patient and oral surgeon to produce tailored instructions that are unique to each case. Follow these guidelines precisely to cut down recovery time and increase personal comfort.
After an extraction, the day should be spent relaxing and healing. Cheek swelling on the side of the extraction is common and can change the shape of the face for a short period of time. This swelling may make it harder to speak, eat and smile. Exercising, bending over and lifting heavy objects is prohibited during the three days immediately following surgery.
Yes, the surgical site will be stitched up to prevent infection and promote healing. Some stitches dissolve on their own gradually, but often the stitches will need to be removed at a later date.
After any tooth extraction, there will likely be some level of pain. This should go away within one week. If the pain does not go away on its own, a dry socket could be the root cause. Contact your dentist right away if this occurs.
Liquid diets are recommended directly following a tooth extraction surgery, for the first three days. After that, semi-liquid foods can be introduced back into the diet. Do not use straws, as these can dislodge any dressing from the wound and cause a dry socket.
We can help you through your tooth extraction. Call our office today to set up an appointment — our friendly, highly trained dentists are ready to help, always with your comfort in mind.
Request an appointment here: https://atlantapamperedsmiles.com or call Pampered Smiles at (404) 891-9489 for an appointment in our Atlanta office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Every patient’s smile is different, so it makes sense for dentists to treat patients as individuals with specific needs. Personalized treatment at a routine dental care appointment should be an expected part of visiting a dental professional. Patients can expect dentists to tailor treatment in the areas of general maintenance, cancer screenings, and management of…
Fluoride is a preventative measure that your general dentist uses to help protect your teeth between visits. It is also an ingredient in toothpaste that can give added protection. One of the most hotly debated topics surrounding toothpaste and tooth brushing is whether or not you should be using toothpaste that contains fluoride. Using toothpaste with…
For healthy teeth and gums, routine dental care is necessary. For most healthy people, two times a year is the recommended frequency for dentist appointments. This is typically adequate for deeper cleaning and preventive care. However, for some patients, more frequent appointments are necessary to manage certain issues and to prevent problems from becoming more…
Many people may believe that they do not have time for routine dental care, which consists of daily brushing and flossing as well as periodic cleaning by a dentist. Admittedly, these tasks do take some time but should be a priority even in a busy schedule. People who do not take time for brushing, flossing,…
Every patient’s smile is different, so it makes sense for dentists to treat patients as individuals with specific needs. Personalized treatment at a routine dental care appointment should be an expected part of visiting a dental professional. Patients can expect dentists to tailor treatment in the areas of general maintenance, cancer screenings, and management of…
Fluoride is a preventative measure that your general dentist uses to help protect your teeth between visits. It is also an ingredient in toothpaste that can give added protection. One of the most hotly debated topics surrounding toothpaste and tooth brushing is whether or not you should be using toothpaste that contains fluoride. Using toothpaste with…