Going to the dentist can be very stressful for many people, but it is necessary to stay healthy. Usually, tooth extraction is the last thing dentists do, especially to save the tooth.
Unfortunately, there are cases when tooth extraction is necessary to save other teeth or to eliminate a potential threat to the body.
These cases can be:
Periodontal Disease: Gingivitis is the first sign of periodontal disease, which affects the gums but can also spread to other areas of the oral cavity. Left untreated, periodontal disease can cause serious problems and eventually lead to heart disease, stroke or diabetes.
Tooth Decay: When a tooth decays, the damage can be irreversible. The damage can allow bacteria to spread and cause inflammation. Sometimes a root canal is an option, but if the tooth is not treated properly, tooth extraction is the only solution.
Overload: If the denture is overloaded, it can cause a bad bite shape, the teeth can overlap, making them difficult to clean.
Impacted teeth: These are teeth that have not yet come through due to a blockage. Most of the time, the blockage is in the gums. If a tooth is blocked, it can damage, inflame, or infect other teeth. Your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction to prevent tooth damage, overcrowding, or infection.
Damage: In accidents involving teeth, the teeth may be irreparable and may need to be extracted.
Tooth extraction can be as simple as having the dentist numb the area with a local anesthetic and simply pull the tooth out. Other cases require surgical tooth extraction, which usually requires general anesthesia. This can happen if the tooth is damaged, chipped, or difficult to access.
After tooth extraction
After tooth extraction, there are a few things you need to consider to ensure healing is quick and efficient.
In the first 24 hours, the following symptoms may appear:
Bleeding: It often occurs immediately after tooth extraction or an hour later. To reduce bleeding, you can place a sterile gauze pad on the wound and bite down gently but firmly. Try to apply even pressure for at least 45 minutes. If the bleeding persists, you should see a doctor. After tooth extraction, you should not rinse your mouth or suck on the wound for a week. Also, don’t smoke or drink through a straw. Avoid alcohol, hot drinks, or soup as these can cause blood stasis.
Cleaning: Avoid brushing your teeth and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the sore.
Swelling: Swelling of the face is very common. If it’s still there a day after the pull, you can put a cold water compress on the spot. Hold them up to 10 minutes every hour. Repeat the procedure until the swelling goes down.
Follow-up: If the affected area requires stitches, see your doctor again for a check-up one week after the tooth extraction.
Pain: Pain is normal after such procedures. If you experience pain within a week of the extraction, you should see your doctor, who may prescribe special medication for you.
Healing Time: After tooth extraction, it takes a few weeks at most for the tooth to fully heal. Ideally, you can eat and drink as usual after 1-2 weeks. If your case is a bit more complicated, the doctor will advise you on the recovery time.
After the tooth extraction, you should consider the following:
- do not smoke
- do not drink coffee or alcohol
- don’t lift heavy weights
- eat soft, non-dairy foods
- don’t eat seeds
- use mouthwash after a week
- Don’t touch the wound
- Clean your mouth and teeth carefully
- Make sure you sleep in an elevated position
- try not to sleep on the side where the tooth was pulled
- don’t spit
- Do not go into hot, humid rooms (sauna, swimming pool)
