Everything You Need To Know About Tooth Extractions

While your natural teeth should last forever, it’s not always the case. Despite your efforts to maintain excellent oral hygiene and health, sometimes the unfortunate happens, and you may have lost a tooth. Dental trauma, tooth decay, periodontal disease, and natural aging are the main factors behind teeth loss. Your dentist might also recommend tooth extraction to eliminate overcrowding and perform specific procedures such as fitting braces. Contact our dentist for tooth extraction in Dallas, TX.

What is Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction is removing one or more natural teeth from the mouth. If your dentist has recommended a tooth extraction, there’s no other way to save your tooth. Before extraction, the dentist will always try to treat the tooth with procedures such as root canals, dental crowns, or dental fillings.

In most cases, tooth extraction is essential to eliminate complex dental issues and protect your oral health from future complications. For instance, keeping a severely infected or decayed tooth increases the risk of the infection spreading to the surrounding healthy teeth, gums, jawbone, and other parts of the body. Contact our Dallas dentist to determine whether you need a tooth extraction.

Performing Tooth Extraction

A general dentist or an oral surgeon may perform the procedure depending on the tooth’s condition. Before performing the extraction, your dentist will perform a physical and X-ray examination to review the tooth’s condition. The dentist will also ask you about your medical history, including existing medical conditions, medications, and allergies.

The Extraction Procedure

Fortunately, there isn’t much you need to prepare for the procedure. Simply follow your dentist’s pre-and-post instructions. Based on the complexity of your condition, your dentist can perform a simple extraction or surgical extraction.

Simple Extraction

Simple tooth extraction is when a tooth is visible and strong enough to pull out. Before the extraction, your dentist will numb the extraction site to keep you calm and pain-free. Next, the tooth is loosened and pulled out. You’ll have gauze to bite down on to control bleeding.

Surgical Extraction

The dentist performs the surgical extraction when a tooth isn’t visible. The dentist begins by sedating you to prevent pain. Next, they make an incision through the gums to access the tooth. If necessary, they may remove gum tissue or bone to extract the tooth. After extraction, you’ll bite on gauze to control bleeding.

How Long Does it Take to Recover from a Tooth Extraction?

How quickly you’ll recover depends on the type of extraction you had. With a simple extraction, recovery is pretty quick. Limit your physical activities for the next 24-72 hours, after which you’ll be able to return to your routine. The soft tissue usually heals completely within 3-4 weeks. Since surgical extraction requires surgery, the recovery process is a bit longer. Your dentist will advise you to rest and limit your physical activity for about a week, after which you can resume your normal activities.

Other factors that can affect the length of your recovery include the location of the tooth, your compliance with aftercare instructions, and your oral and overall well-being. Notify your dentist immediately if you experience severe and persistent symptoms.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare Tips

Your dentist will give you detailed aftercare instructions to prevent infection and promote faster healing. These include:

• Bite the gauze for 30 minutes or until the bleeding stops. Contact your dentist immediately if bleeding persists or worsens.
• Apply an ice pack to your cheeks to help with pain and swelling.
• For the next 48 hours, stick to soft and cool foods and drinks.
• Rest adequately for at least 72 hours.
• For the next 24 hours, avoid spitting, sucking through a straw, or rinsing your mouth. It can dislodge the clot and cause further bleeding.
• Avoid smoking for at least 72 hours after surgery.
• Avoid chewing, brushing, or flossing near the extraction site for the next few days. Use warm salt water to keep the extraction area clean.
• Keep your head elevated when sleeping.
• Take medication as prescribed by the dentist.

Contact your dentist immediately if you experience:

• Prolonged bleeding
• Severe pain or discomfort
• Fever
• Prolonged swelling

Contact your dentist or visit Trinity Dental Loft – Dallas immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Prolonged bleeding
• Severe pain and discomfort
• High temperature
• Prolonged swelling