Tooth extraction is something that is very scary. But generally tooth extractions are last resorts as dentist will always try to do some treatment or procedure in order to save your tooth.
Reasons for Tooth Extractions
- Severe Tooth Decay: Minor cavities are easy to fix with a filling; most extreme cases of tooth decay can be treated with a root canal, but there are times when a tooth becomes so decayed that it loses its stability. And that calls for extraction.
- Gum Disease: When teeth become extremely weakened by gum disease extraction of the tooth is better to recover from a gum disease faster.
- Trauma: Accidents can happen, and it seems like it’s the smallest thing that always causes the greatest damage! Your teeth are tough but it just takes one horrible injury to shatter them to the point where they can’t be restored.
- Wisdom Teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth are common, painful, and sources for infection and decay. The only solution is to extract that tooth.
Tooth Extraction Treatment
Your tooth extraction will either be simple or surgical, depending on whether your tooth is visible or impacted.
Simple extraction
You will receive a local anesthetic, which numbs the area around your tooth so you’ll feel only pressure, not pain, during the procedure. The dentist then uses an instrument called an elevator to loosen the tooth and forceps to remove it.
Surgical extraction
You may also receive general anesthesia, depending on any medical conditions. With general anesthesia, you will remain unconscious during the procedure. The general dentist or oral surgeon will cut into your gum with a small incision. They may need to remove bone around your tooth or cut your tooth before it can be extracted.
Tooth Extraction Recovery
Recovery typically takes a few days. Follow these few steps for faster recovery:
- Take painkillers as prescribed
- Do not smoke
- Eat soft foods, such as soup, pudding, yogurt, or applesauce the day after the extraction.
- When lying down, prop your head with pillows. Lying flat may prolong bleeding.
- Brush and floss your teeth, and brush your tongue, avoiding the extraction site.