The thought of undergoing tooth extraction might be intimidating, but it is just a standard dental procedure, and it should not be a nerve-wracking thought. Most people are intimidated because they do not have accurate information about it. Here is what you need to know to calm your fears about this oral surgery.
What Makes Tooth Extraction Necessary?
People typically undergo tooth extraction for different reasons. Some of the primary reasons include:
- Overcrowded teeth
- Damaged or decaying teeth
- Tooth replacement
- Removal of wisdom teeth
These are the significant factors that may prompt a tooth extraction procedure. This method is generally a final resort in instances when the tooth cannot be salvaged.
Tooth Extraction Procedure
Before the procedure begins, the dentist responsible has an X-Ray on the affected tooth to accurately diagnose the problem and decide on the suitable approach. The extraction exercise focuses on pulling the affected from the socket using two methods:
- Simple Extraction-If your problematic tooth is visible within the mouth, a simple extraction is likely to be performed. It is a simple procedure that the dentist can complete in their office, and you can walk home once the bleeding stops.
- Surgical Extraction- in instances where the affected tooth cannot be accessed from inside the mouth, this method is used. A surgical extraction is done under general anesthetic and mostly on impacts not grown through the gum yet, like wisdom teeth.
Aftercare and Pain Management
Tooth extraction will leave you sore with a bit of discomfort for some days up to a week after. Taking pain medication post-extraction can ease the pain and soreness. Avoid eating hard food for some days after the procedure to keep food particles from entering the site.
It is advisable to avoid alcohol and spicy foods that can burn the area where the tooth was taken out. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in water and rinse the place where the tooth was removed to avoid infection. As you heal, be careful not to remove blood clots around the site because they are the mechanisms through which the gums heal themselves.
What We Do
We at Westmoreland Dental Group believe that oral health is an essential aspect of overall health. We can help with solving teeth problems that require teeth extractions. Our methods are safe and guarantee results. Contact us today and schedule your free consultation at (423) 282-2844.