Undoubtedly, teeth are permanent structures. But extracting one, two, or more of them can become essential sometimes. Various situations can lead to such necessity. You may worry about getting your tooth extracted when your dentist recommends it. That’s understandable. However, it’s important to remember that a trained and reputable dentist with extensive knowledge and experience will recommend such a step only when other options are unavailable. Let’s figure out those situations and other associated details to understand the need for this dental procedure.
- Why tooth extraction?
Overcrowded teeth can disrupt the effects of your oral hygiene practices as some corners remain inaccessible. It can promote bacterial growth and tooth decay. You can also face problems while eating food. Due to overcrowding, other teeth may struggle to grow properly. Their shape and size can also be affected. Hence, your local dentist in Tarzana, CA, can choose tooth extraction as one of the initial steps to rectify overcrowding issues in the mouth. This procedure can also help patients with infection risks in the pulp due to tooth damage or decay. Typically, a root canal is done in these situations. However, severe infections may demand extraction as a preventive measure. Anyone with gum disease can also benefit from this procedure, especially if their teeth have become loose due to bone and tissue illness.
- What happens during and after tooth extraction?
During the extraction procedure, a dentist will inject local anesthesia into the affected area to numb it. General anesthetic can be required in severe cases. Nevertheless, your dentist will inform you about all these things beforehand so you are mentally prepared. To remove an impacted tooth, specialists first remove bone tissue and gum. Then, they slowly dislodge the tooth, setting it free from the grip of ligaments and jawbone. They may have to eliminate it in pieces if it’s a problematic tooth. After removal, the socket can develop blood clotting. Dentists cover this area with a gauze pad to stop the blood from oozing. Self-dissolving stitches can also be placed over the gum line if required.
Sometimes, blood clots become dry and break, revealing the socket bone. The condition is referred to as a dry socket. A dentist can cover the area with a sedative dressing to protect it. After the procedure is over, you can return home to recover. It will take time, but careful measures can minimize discomfort and infection risks. You can consume painkillers that your dentist recommended. You will still have a gauze pad in its place. Bite down on it slowly to control bleeding and let it clot. Change the gauze pads when soaked. You can apply a cold compress on the site from outside for ten minutes. It will reduce swelling and discomfort.
One must avoid exertion and heavy lifting for two days after the extraction. For the first 24 hours, it is best to be careful with spitting and rinsing. After a day’s gap, you can use a warm water and salt mixture for rinsing. Consuming liquid and soft items can be better before shifting to regular food. Use pillows to elevate your head a little to reduce bleeding. Routine dental cleaning can continue, but the extraction site should be watched.
Initial healing can take about two weeks. Once the site improves, your dentist can suggest options like dentures, dental bridges, or implants to fill the gap.
