Facts About Tooth Extraction: What You Should Know

If your dentist has just informed you that you require tooth extraction, then you are probably wondering about the details of this process. Such as, what you will feel (the pain and pressure) and how much it will hurt. Understanding this process can undoubtedly ease any uncertainties or fear you may have. You will learn essential facts about tooth removal in this article.

Reasons for Tooth Removal

Firstly, let’s take a look at the reasons for tooth extraction.

• Overcrowding: The teeth are removed to alleviate crowding and to align the upper and lower teeth.
• Periodontitis (Gum disease): Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. Advanced periodontal disease can cause loosening of the teeth, which means tooth removal may be necessary.
• Infection: Root canal therapy can often relieve infection, but when the infection is so severe that root canal therapy or antibiotics have proven to be ineffective, extraction may be required. Tooth extractions are vital as they can prevent the spread of infection.

Are you going to feel pain while your tooth is being extracted? No, you will not. You do not need to expect that removing a tooth will hurt.

What Are You Going to Feel When Your Tooth is Being Extracted?

Pinch of the Needle

Well firstly, you may experience a pinch when your dentist injects a needle to numb your teeth and gums.

Back-and-forth Pressure

You will feel back-and-forth pressure as your dentist must loosen the tooth so that it is free to come out. Besides this, you will not need to prepare for any other discomfort during this procedure. If you do feel pain, (not to be confused with pressure) be sure to notify your dentist so that they are aware of what you are experiencing.

Expectations

Remember, your dentist or oral surgeon has received specialized training to perform this surgery. Before they remove a tooth, they will administer local anesthetic to numb the area. In some situations, a general anesthetic will be required to prevent pain throughout your body and put you to sleep during the procedure.

If your tooth is impacted, your dentist in Winnipeg will create an incision in your gums so the tooth and jawbone can be reached. Using forceps, they will take hold of the tooth and gently rock it back and forth. Wiggling it will loosen it from the jawbone and ligaments that secure it in place. If a tooth is difficult to remove, your dentist may remove it in pieces.

After the tooth has been removed, typically a blood clot will form in the socket. Your dentist will place a gauze pad into the socket and ask you to bite down on it to halt bleeding. Your dentist may place a few stitches–these are usually self-dissolving. The stitches will close the gum edges over the extraction site.

What You Should Tell Your Dentist Before Tooth Extractions

Tooth extractions are very safe, but it is important to provide your dentist with your complete medical history, medication and supplement use, and if you have one of the following:

• Impaired immune system
• Congenital heart defect
• History of bacterial endocarditis
• Artificial joint (i.e., a hip replacement)
• Liver disease
• Damage of human-made heart valves

After Tooth Removal

Your dentist in Winnipeg will send you home to recover after the procedure. Typically, recovery will take a few days, but the following instructions can reduce any discomfort, risk of infection, and expedite the recovery.

1. Take pain killers as prescribed by your dentist.
2. Bite firmly on the gauze pad to reduce bleeding and allow the formation of a clot in the socket of the tooth.
3. Apply a cold compress immediately after the procedure to reduce swelling.
4. Relax for a minimum of 24 hours’ post-extraction. Avoid rigorous activity for a day or two.
5. Avoid rinsing or spitting forcefully (this can dislodge the clot that forms in the socket).
6. Wait to drink from a straw for at least 24 hours.
7. Do not smoke–this can inhibit healing.
8. Eat soft foods, like yogurt, soup, and mash potatoes.
9. Prop your head with pillows while laying down.
10. Brush and floss regularly but be sure to avoid the extraction site.

If you experience nausea or vomiting, redness, swelling, excessive discharge, a cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or signs of infection i.e., fever and chills, contact your dentist near you as soon as possible.