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Tooth Extractions

Tooth Extractions

Tooth Extraction Treatment Dental Clinic

Tooth Extraction Dental Clinic Cochrane

Why have a tooth extraction?

While many teens and some adults get their wisdom teeth removed, there are other reasons why tooth extraction may be necessary in adulthood.

Tooth extraction is performed by a dentist or oral surgeon and is a relatively quick outpatient procedure. Removing visible teeth is a simple extraction. Teeth that are broken, below the surface, or impacted require a more involved procedure.

How to prepare for a tooth extraction

Before scheduling the procedure, your dentist will take an X-ray of your tooth. Be sure to tell your dentist about any medications you take, as well as vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs.

Tell your dentist if you are being treated for any medical condition like:

Your dentist may want to make sure all conditions are stable or treated before you undergo the tooth extraction. You might be prescribed antibiotics in the days leading up to the procedure if:

It’s helpful to keep the following in mind for the day of the tooth extraction in order to ensure quality treatment:

What is the procedure for a tooth extraction?

Your tooth extraction will either be simple or surgical, depending on whether your tooth is visible or impacted.

A simple extraction is usually done under 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.

A surgical extraction is done under local anesthetic or combined with local anesthesia and sedation (oral /laughing gas /intravenous) the latter of which makes you calm and relaxed. You may also receive Intravenous sedation /general anesthesia, depending on any medical conditions.

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.

What are the risks of a tooth extraction?

There are a few risks to undergoing a tooth extraction; however, if your dentist recommends the procedure, the benefits likely outweigh the small chance of complications.

Usually, after a tooth extraction, a blood clot naturally forms in the socket — the hole in the bone where the tooth has been extracted. However, if the blood clot does not form or dislodges, the bone inside the socket can be exposed — referred to as “dry socket.” If this happens, the dentist will protect the area by putting a sedative dressing over it for a few days. During this time, a new clot will form.

Other risks include:

  • bleeding that lasts longer than 12 hours
  • severe fever and chills, signalling an infection
  • nausea or vomiting
  • cough
  • chest pain and shortness of breath
  • swelling and redness at the surgical site

 

Contact your dentist if you experience any of these symptoms.

What is the recovery period from a tooth extraction?

It normally takes a few days to recover after tooth extraction. The following steps help ensure that your recovery goes smoothly.

  • Apply an ice pack to your cheek directly after the procedure to reduce swelling. Use the ice pack for 10 minutes each time.
  • After the dentist places the gauze pad over the affected area, bite down to reduce bleeding and to aid in clot formation. Leave the gauze on for three to four hours, or until the pad is soaked with blood.
  • Take any medications as prescribed, including over-the-counter painkillers.
  • Rest and relax for the first 24 hours. Do not jump immediately into your regular routine the following day.
  • Don’t use a straw for the first 24 hours.
  • Don’t smoke.
  • Don’t rinse for 24 hours after the tooth extraction, and spit only gently.
  • Use pillows to prop your head up when you lie down.
  • Brush and floss your teeth like normal, but avoid the extraction site.
  • The day after the procedure, eat soft foods, such as yogurt, pudding, and applesauce.
  • After 24 hours, add a half-teaspoon of salt to eight ounces of warm water to rinse out your mouth.

 

As you heal over the next few days, you can slowly reintroduce other foods into your diet.

If you are experiencing pain that isn’t going away after several days or signs of an infection —including fever, pain, and pus or drainage from the incision — make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible.

Related Doctors

Dr. Neerja Khosla

General Dentist

Dr. Neerja Khosla has been a dentist for over 30 years. She loves dentistry and is very passionate and committed to her profession.

Covid-19

To ensure the safety of our patients and staff and to prevent   the spread of COVID-19, At Cochrane Valley Dental ,we have implemented several initiatives for the protection of our staff and patients .

  • Covid19 screening form 
  • Temp check for both staff and patients 
  • air purifiers/filters to prevent aerosol contamination 
  • Enhanced PPE and disinfection