Everything You Need to Know About Teeth Extractions

The Extraction Process

Most of the time, it is easy to remove a tooth, however, the difficulty can sometimes be determined by the location and state of the tooth. You can read more about teeth extractions at HealthLinkBC for even more information.

1. Consultation and Examination: The dentist will observe you as an initial step to the extraction, usually by taking X-rays, which pinpoint the pain damaged and its position and condition.
2. Anesthesia: To be sure that there will be no discomfort during the procedure, the dentist applies local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. There are times, especially in cases of dental phobia, when sedation is the preferable method.
3. Extraction: The dentist will carefully and specifically apply the necessary instruments, as in this case remains a particularly delicate operation, to the jaw area, which will, in turn, carefully loosen the tooth from its socket and then pull it out. In the case of an impaction, the tooth can be extracted following these steps: First, the dentist makes a small cut in the gum to access the tooth. In very difficult cases, there are also scenarios when the tooth may be broken into small chunks to permit a less painful removal.
4. Post-Extraction Care: Once the tooth is removed, the dentist will cover the gauze over the place to stop bleeding and help in blood clots. You must follow the aftercare instructions given to you to have little or no discomfort and to avoid complications such as the dry socket.

Possible Issues Following Teeth Extractions

Teeth extractions are an extremely safe procedure but there is a potential for complications to occur, especially if proper postoperative instructions are not followed after the procedure.

• Dry Socket: This is the most common complication that can happen following an extraction. After a tooth is removed, a “clot” will form in the socket. This clot will either withdraw or dissolve prior to the wound forming a scab and healing. If the bone and nerves at the bottom of the socket become exposed, it will be very painful and will delay the healing process. Ways to avoid a dry socket is to compromise smoke, drink through a straws and in general do not vigorously rinse your mouth for at least 24 hours.
  cartoon version of a female having tooth ache which will require tooth extraction
• Infection: After the extraction there can be infections that can occur from bacteria entering into the open socket. Common indicators of an infection can include continued pain, swelling, fever and pus formation. Sometimes a dentist will prescribe antibiotics after an extraction to prevent or control infection.
• Damage to Nerve: Although rare, there can be damage to a nerve during the process of removing lower wisdom teeth. Damage to a nerve may include numbness, tingling to the tongue, lips or chin. Nerve damage is typically temporary in nature, although permanent damage can occur.

What to Expect After a Tooth Extraction

Proper care after an extraction is super important for a complication-free recovery. Your dentist will instruct you on:

Pain and Swelling: Over the counter medications and cold compresses can ease pain and help reduce swelling. You’ll want to follow your dentist’s instructions, and you may need prescription medications if your dentist thinks it’s required.

Diet and Hydration: During the first few days, stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, and applesauce to aid recovery. Do not consume hot foods and hot beverages that could dislodge the clot. Stay hydrated, but do not drink through a straw to prevent dry socket.

Oral Hygiene: You will want to care for your mouth and maintain oral hygiene, but do so carefully around the extraction area. Do not brush the extraction site directly for the first 24 hours. You can rinse your mouth gently with a mild solution of saltwater to keep the site clean and promote healing.

Follow Up: Your dentist may want you to come back for a follow-up appointment, depending on the difficulty of the extraction, especially if you required stitches.

When to Contact Your Dentist

It is also important that you stay in touch with your dentist if you experience any unusual symptoms – call your Langley dentist if bleeding doesn’t stop, you are experiencing extreme pain that isn’t responding to pain medications, or have any other signs of infection. Contacting the dentist can prevent complications from getting worse if it is related, or will provide you peace of mind if your symptoms are not related.

Final thoughts

Tooth extractions are normal procedures and, while they also have their risks, the majority of patients experience a rapid recovery with minimal issues if treatment was determined to be medically necessary. If you are gearing up for a tooth extraction, understanding what the procedure entails, what the possible complications of this procedure might be, and how to recover properly can help relieve any anxiety you may be feeling. If you have more questions or would like to set up an appointment, please reach out to your local dental clinic today!

To learn about various additional ways to help maintain a healthy, beautiful smile, please see our blog for various discussions on dentistry and dental topics. Whether you are looking for a “dentist near me” or wanting to learn about other dental procedures, we are here to support you through the entire process.