About Tooth Extraction
This information is intended for general information only and should not be considered as medical advice on the part of Health-Tourism.com. Any decision on medical treatments, after-care or recovery should be done solely upon proper consultation and advice of a qualified physician.
Reasons for extracting teeth
Though permanent teeth may last a lifetime, teeth which have become decayed or damaged might have to be extracted or removed.
Other factors are:
- A congested mouth
- Infection
- The risk of infection
- Gum disease
What to expect with tooth extraction? Before extracting the tooth, your dentist will give you an injection of a local anesthetic who numbs the area where the tooth/teeth will be extracted. If you're having multiple teeth removed or a tooth is damaged, your dentist might use a general anesthetic, this will stop pain all through your body making you sleep through the procedure.
If the tooth is damaged, the dentist will cut away bone and gum tissue, which cover the tooth and then, with the help of forceps, grasp the tooth and delicately rock it to and fro to loosen it from the ligaments and jaw that hold it in position. At times, a tooth that is hard to extract should be removed in bits.
As soon as the tooth has been removed, the dentist will pack a gauze pad into the socket and get you to bite down on it to stop the bleeding. At times the dentist will place some stitches, typically self-dissolving, to shut the gum edges over the extraction removal site.
What to tell your dentist before you have a tooth removed Before having a tooth extracted, allow your dentist know your whole health background, the supplements and medication you take, and if you have one of the following:
- Man-made or damaged heart valves
- A history of bacterial endocarditis
- A congenital heart defect
- An impaired immune system
- Liver disease (cirrhosis)
- An artificial joint, like a hip replacement
When to contact the dentist
If bleeding continues or pain is severe for over 4 hours after the extraction, you must call your dentist. You must also contact your dentist if you experience any of the following:
- Vomiting or nausea
- Signs of infection, which include chills or fever
- Chest pain, cough or shortness of breath
- Excessive discharge, redness or inflammation from the affected area
After care : The following might help reduce pain, decrease the risk of infection and speed healing.
Bite tightly but gently on the gauze pad put by your dentist to decrease bleeding and permit a blood clot to form in the tooth socket. Follow the advice of your dentist regarding how long to leave the pad in place after the removal and the steps to take if the gauze pad gets soaked with blood.
Take painkillers as recommended or over the counter products recommended by your dentist, like paracetamol, Ibuprofen or aspirin.
Apply an ice bag to the affected area soon after the procedure to limit inflammation. Apply ice for ten minutes at a time. Talk to your dentist regarding how to do this safely.
Avoid spitting or rinsing for 6 hours after the extraction to avoid dislodging the clot, which forms in the socket.
Relax for at least a day after the extraction. Minimize activity for the next day or two.
After 6 hours, carefully use a solution made of a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water to rinse your mouth.
Don't smoke, because it can slow down healing.
Don't drink from a straw for the first 24 hours.
Eat softer foods (like yogurt or soup) the day after the extraction. Slowly include solid foods to your diet as the site of extraction heals.
Continue to brush and floss your teeth, and remember to brush your tongue; however, stay away from the extraction site. This will help stop infection.
When in a lying position, prop your head up with pillows. Lying flat might lengthen bleeding.
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