Most patients fear pain after tooth extraction, however, this is temporary since your dentist prescribes medication to clear the pain and prevent infection. Below is everything you need to know about tooth extractions in Campbell, including treatment and things to keep in mind after the procedure.
Getting started
Teeth are not permanently fixed on the jawbone as there is a tiny gap between the two. Small fibers bridge the gap between the tooth and the jaw bone. Front teeth are easier to extract since they have one root. However, molars are deeply attached with three roots hence being difficult to remove.
When to consider an extraction
Your doctor recommends an extraction if the tooth is severely damaged and other procedures may not save it. A severely loose tooth with defects in your bones and gums is removed.
Also, your dentist recommends removal if there are inflammations under the tip of the root or apical periodontics. Another reason is the fractures of the root and if the teeth interfere with other orthodontic treatments.
After a detailed evaluation, your doctor orders an X-ray to assess the tooth that needs to be extracted.
Risks of tooth extraction
Before the extraction, your doctor explains the risks or complications of a tooth extraction. Some risks are general, including pain, blood vessel injury, swelling, and inflammation.
Some patients may experience dry sockets where the blood fails to clot or secondary bleeding if one is on blood thinners medication.
Severe complications may include damage to other teeth and the mandibular nerve. Others are abnormal root formations that may complicate the extraction.
What to expect during a tooth extraction
Your dentist applies local anesthesia to numb the tooth and prevent pain during the extraction. The next step involves loosening the tooth by detaching it from the gum. The doctor moves it gently and grabs the tooth with a pair of pliers.
Then a little force is applied and the tooth is extracted. After that, the dentist cleans the wound and scrapes the socket with a sharp object to remove inflammatory tissue.
Complications
A broken tooth can be difficult to remove and the doctor may use special pliers to grip it. Also, wisdom teeth are not easy to remove and may require a minor surgical procedure. The doctor exposes the jawbone and conducts an incision to reach the tooth.
Finally, the tooth is extracted and the gum is sutured. This procedure can cause bruises, pain, and swelling. Fortunately, the side effects are temporary and go away within a week.
What to do after an extraction
After a tooth extraction, your doctor places a sterile swab for you to bite and subsequently stop the bleeding. For two days, you should not smoke, drink carbonated drinks, or alcohol.
Also, you should refrain from vigorous exercise and do not rinse your mouth vigorously as the blood clot needs to remain in the socket for quick healing. Contact your doctor if the pain is severe, as it can be due to an infection in the socket.
You can benefit from a tooth extraction if your teeth are severely damaged. Contact the experts at Ueno Center Dental Specialists for a dental examination and extraction.
