Despite adult teeth being considered permanent, extractions are a common procedure to make sure a patient’s oral health is optimal and that they experience no pain or discomfort while chewing, biting, swallowing or speaking.
4 Reasons for tooth extracted
Overcrowding – Crowding, caused by teeth being too big or unevenly shaped, can cause misalignment. Extracting a tooth is sometimes necessary to make room for other teeth. Overcrowding can also prevent teeth from erupting through the gum causing severe pain for the patient.
This can also be an imperative step before a patient undergoes various orthodontic work.
Infection – If a tooth is severely damaged with the pulp tissue (nerve endings and blood vessels) infected, an extraction may be necessary. When you have a dental infection, your dentist might first prescribe antibiotics but they are often ineffective against more severe infections. To prevent infection, an extraction is needed.
Periodontal Disease – Periodontal disease is when the tissues and bones that hold teeth in place become infected or inflamed. This can force tooth roots to loosen, resulting in the need for an extraction.
Injury – If a patient’s tooth is damaged as the result of an accident, they may require a tooth extraction. If this happens, a dentist will try to preserve their patient’s teeth and alignment. If a tooth cannot be saved, then an extraction will need to take place.
After the Extraction
Post-procedure, patients will spend the next few days recovering in the comfort of their home.
A post-treatment plan can include several of the following:
- To minimize swelling, apply ice to the affected area for 10 minutes at a time.
- Gauze is placed in one’s mouth to soak up any blood and promote clotting in the tooth’s socket.
- Prescribed painkillers
- It is advised to avoid strenuous activity for 1-2 days after this procedure has been performed.
- Continue with your oral hygiene routine except on the extraction site.
- Rinsing with a warm saltwater solution helps kill bacteria and reduces inflammation.
- Do not use a straw for 24 hours.
- Stop smoking cigarettes during recovery
- Make sure your head is propped up when lying down. This can reduce bleeding.
Most patients feel pain or discomfort immediately after the procedure and for up to 24 hours. Swelling and heavy bleeding may occur, but this is usually not a major concern. If bleeding persists for longer than four hours after the extraction, you should contact your dentist. Additionally, you should make an appointment if you are nauseous or vomiting, have a fever or the chills or are experiencing coughing, shortness of breath, chest pains or excessive discharge from the area.
