If you have a tooth that has been damaged or decayed beyond repair, your dentist may recommend extraction. Typically, this type of dental care is done to alleviate pain or prevent further damage from occurring. Extractions also can be done as part of orthodontic (braces) treatment to provide space for alignment of teeth. Wisdom teeth that are impacted (growing slanted), may also be an indication for extraction. Whatever the reason, the prospect of having surgery or even a simple extraction can be daunting. Read on to understand what you can expect before, during, and after your extraction.
Preparation and what to expect before your procedure
Before having any surgery, it is normal to feel a little anxious. The best way to combat nerves is to be as prepared as possible. Firstly, schedule a consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon. This is an opportunity to ask questions about the procedure and get more information about what to expect.
The next thing you can do is ensure that you are in good health. Get plenty of rest the night before! This will help you feel more relaxed during the procedure and make recovery easier on your body.
What happens during a tooth extraction?
The first step in having a tooth extracted is numbing the area around the tooth that will be removed. There are various ways to numb the tooth; which include numbing gel, sprays and the most effective – injection. Dental injections use thin, fine needles to reduce the pain, just imagine it as an ant bite to the gums! Under local anaesthesia, your dentist will remove the tooth using a variety of specialised instruments. This is usually done by gently loosening the tooth and carefully lifting it from its socket. Once the tooth has been removed, a gauze pad will be placed over the empty socket to add pressure and stop any bleeding, or at least until the bleeding has slowed enough.
In some cases such as broken teeth, your dentist might need to make incisions into the gums to gain access to the root of your tooth. In some cases, a dental bone graft is placed in the socket to prevent bone loss at the extraction site. Some extraction sites may also be closed with stitches to promote healing. If self-resorbable stitches are used, it does not need to be removed as it self-dissolves over time.
Post-extraction care
After extracting your tooth, your dentist will give you advice on how to take care of the extraction site for a good recovery. You will need to avoid hard and hot foods for at least 24 hours after your procedure. This is so that you do not burn or injure yourself while the extraction area is still numb. Soft diet is generally recommended for the next few days, depending on how long it takes for the area to heal. Your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics or painkillers if necessary – so be sure to follow these instructions carefully.
After an extraction or surgery, you are also likely to experience some pain after the procedure, but this should subside in a few days. The adjacent areas may be sore for a few weeks but there should be no permanent damage to your jaw or surrounding tissue. After having teeth removed, you should brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and gargle with a dental mouth rinse regularly until the swelling goes away – this helps keep infection at bay. You can read more on our tips to brush and floss your teeth.
Conclusion
All in all, having a tooth extracted is not as bad as it sounds! Of course, everyone experiences pain differently. Whilst some people report minimal discomfort, others feel significant pain. Regardless of how much pain you are in post-surgery, do know that it is temporary. Make sure you follow the post-extraction instructions carefully to promote good healing.
The Braces Practice is a dental practice offering a wide range of services, braces and invisible teeth aligners in Singapore. Our dental professionals are experienced in handling all kinds of dental problems and aim to provide high quality treatment in a relaxed and friendly environment. Reach out to us today to learn more about what we can do for you!
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