Tooth extraction is an invasive dental procedure that involves the dentist removing your tooth from the gum socket. There are different reasons why this dental procedure is done. Tooth infection, crowding, and severe tooth decay are factors that can make the dentist in Langley recommend this treatment option. It is a necessary dental procedure that can save the remaining healthy teeth. However, this dental procedure is not entirely pain-free. This article will help you deal with pain after tooth extraction.
So, first, let’s take a look at what happens during a tooth extraction procedure.
Before the tooth removal procedure is done, the dentist will first look at the condition of your tooth. This involves taking x-rays of your tooth to see the extent of damage or decay. It is essential to notify the dentist of any drugs you might have taken, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and vitamins.
You should also tell your dentist if you have diabetes, liver disease, thyroid disease, or any heart issues that can complicate the tooth removal process.
Your dentist may prescribe some antibiotics days before the surgery if you have a specific medical condition, an infection or if the surgery will be prolonged if multiple teeth are to be pulled out.
There are tips you should follow to ensure that the tooth removal treatment will be a success. First, you should stay away from smoking before and after the surgery.
Another thing to remember is having someone take you home after the procedure.
Lastly, if the anesthesia will be administered through a vein(IV), you should not eat or drink 6 hours leading up to the surgery.
After getting a dentist who can perform tooth extraction near you, they will notify you that there are two tooth extractions options that can be performed, and each is dependent on the state of your tooth.
Simple tooth extraction is one of the options. Here, the dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the affected tooth. After the sedative kicks in, an appliance known as an elevator is employed to loosen the tooth, and then forceps are used to extract it.
The second option is known as a surgical extraction. This option involves using both intravenous and local anesthesia to ensure you are calm and relaxed throughout the surgery.
The oral surgeon will then cut your gum and make a small incision. The dentist will use this incision to remove the bone around your tooth for them to remove the tooth.
Now that you know the tooth removal procedure, some ways can help deal with the pain after removing your tooth.
First, the dentist can recommend over-the-counter painkillers to relieve the pain after removing your tooth. These painkillers include ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
You can also follow tips at home to ensure your recovery process runs smoothly. Rest is an essential aspect of every person’s life, and therefore you should have a day off after this dental procedure to ensure you recuperate.
Moreover, applying an ice pack to the side of the cheek where the tooth was removed will help reduce swelling that can cause lots of pain.
It is also essential to follow a soft diet to prevent dislodging the clot which can lead to having a dry socket. The soft foods include mashed potatoes, well-cooked veggies, mushed-up fruits like avocadoes and bananas, eggs, and soups.
Proper oral hygiene should be adhered to even after the surgery, but you should not brush the extraction site as this can cause pain and bleeding.
A warm salt water rinse is also essential 24 hours after the surgery. Use half a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of water to rinse your mouth. A warm saltwater rinse reduces bacteria in the mouth and bleeding.
One common risk associated with tooth removal is dry sockets. This is where the clot on the extraction site is dislodged or does not form. If this happens, you should notify the dentist at NovaCare Dental, and they will be able to put a sedative dressing over the wound.