When it comes to Tooth Removal / Extraction Treatment, many patients anticipate pain, long recoveries and infections. But that is not the case! Tooth extractions vary from patient to patient and is often a painless procedure. Understandably, it’s a nerve-racking experience but being informed of what to expect before and after will ease your nerves. So, if you’ve been told you need a tooth extracted there is no need to worry! Many children and adults need extractions and for a range of different reasons.
Here at Tarneit Dental Care, we understand how scary tooth extractions might seem and will always ensure to keep you informed about the procedure. Our caring and experienced Dentists and staff will make sure your tooth extraction process is as relaxing as possible. If you want to find out more, then keep reading on and learn what to expect:
What is a Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction is a dental procedure that involves removing the entire tooth, including the roots and is extracted from the gums. With this procedure, there are two types, simple and surgical. The category you fall in depends on your case and your dentist will identify this beforehand.
Simple Tooth Extraction
A simple extraction can be completed by your general dentist, as the entire tooth is visible and not behind any gum or bone tissue. The dentist will apply a local anesthetic to the area where the tooth is being extracted and use forceps to remove the tooth. The process is fairly simple as fair as extractions go, and the removal is painless.
Surgical Tooth Extraction
Surgical extractions are more complex and require an oral surgeon or general dentist to remove the tooth. This type of extraction is done for teeth that are below the gum line and teeth that have broken off. For these extractions, you will likely receive both local anesthesia and other anesthesia to help you feel calm and relaxed. Depending on your situation, you might also receive general anesthesia.
Reasons For A Tooth Extraction:
Unless it’s an emergency where a tooth has broken, your dentist will normally tell you if you might need a tooth extracted. And there are several reasons why you may need to have a tooth extracted. These include the following:
- Gum Disease
- A broken tooth beyond repair
- Tooth decay or an abscessed tooth
- Baby teeth not falling out for the permanent teeth to come in
- Infections that affect the large portion of the tooth or surrounding bone
- Crowded teeth-meaning there’s not enough room in your mouth for all your teeth
- People getting orthodontic treatment, as they may need teeth extracted to create room for teeth to be moved into place. Wisdom Teeth
How to Prepare for a Tooth Extraction?
Firstly, you will need to visit your general dentist to determine if you need a tooth extracted. From there, your dentist will take x-rays and see how the tooth is impacting your other teeth. With that information, your dentist will determine if the tooth extraction is simple or surgical.
You will also need to inform your dentist with your medical history, as they’ll want to be aware of any pre-existing conditions that could impact the surgery. It will also give them insight on how you will recover from the procedure, and what extra steps they might need to take.
After Your Tooth Extraction
Once a tooth has been extracted, your dentist will place gauze in your mouth and apply pressure to stop any bleeding. After you leave, be sure to change your gauze with clean hands if there is bleeding more than 30 minutes after the extraction.
Recovery will vary from person to person but will usually take a few days. You will want to have a good amount of rest to allow your body to heal. The area will be tender and sore, so it’s best to take some painkillers to ease the discomfort. It’s also common to have inflamed cheeks after having a tooth extracted. Putting an Ice pack on the affected area will keep the swelling down.
It’s important to keep your mouth as clean as possible while it’s healing. Try rinsing your mouth with saltwater throughout the day and consume soft foods such as soup, yoghurt or applesauce. Lastly, if you smoke then you shouldn’t smoke for at least 72 hours after. It’s important to keep your mouth free of bacteria and toxins that can create an infection.
Hopefully, this has answered all your questions regarding tooth extractions and what to expect. Not everyone will need a tooth extraction. However, if you feel your teeth have shifted or felt pain in your mouth then you should speak to your dentist and find out what’s going on.
If you think you may need a tooth extraction, then feel free to call us on (03) 9749 4491.