Everything You Need To Know About Tooth Extraction and Recovery

Tooth extraction is always the last option, when there is no scope for the tooth to be saved or repaired. Dentistry believes in saving your natural tooth as much as possible but at times there comes such a situation when tooth extraction is the only option. When the decay or infection is severe or when the wisdom tooth is causing trouble, extraction is the best option for getting rid of pain, discomfort, and swelling says the pediatric dentist in 29649.

The Kid’s Dentist in Greenwood, SC tries to fix the decay or damage with a filling or crown but sometimes the damage is too much to get repaired. In that case, the tooth needs to be extracted. There can be other reasons as well for extraction such as:

• The extra tooth in the mouth which obstructs other teeth from coming in.
• Baby teeth might not fall out in time, allowing the permanent teeth to come in.
• People who are planning to get orthodontic treatment may also need the extraction to create space for the teeth which are being moved into the new place.
• People who are receiving radiation to the head and neck may need to get the teeth extracted before the treatment if they have teeth in the field of radiation.
• Some teeth need to be extracted if they have the chance of becoming the reason for the infection.

In most people, wisdom teeth are extracted before or after they come in. They usually erupt during late teens or early 20s. The pediatric dentist near you will recommend extraction if they are decayed, cause pain, or have a cyst or infection. These teeth may get stuck in the jaw which is the reason for pain and swelling. In case you need all the wisdom teeth to be removed, they are removed at the same time.

Preparation for Tooth Extraction

The dentist or the oral surgeon will take an x-ray of the tooth and surrounding area for planning the best way of tooth removal. Make sure you provide full medical and dental history along with a list of medications that you take. This must include both OTC and prescription drugs.

Some dentists may also ask you to take antibiotics before or after the surgery if you have an infection at the time of surgery, if you have a weakened immune system, or if you have any medical condition. Antibiotics may also be prescribed if the surgery is long. He may administer conscious sedation to general anesthesia.

Simple Extraction

It is performed on a visible tooth. General dentists are capable of performing simple extractions. The dentists use the elevator for loosening the tooth and then removes the tooth using forceps.

Surgical Extraction

It is a complex procedure that is performed when the tooth has broken off the gum line or has not erupted as yet. These procedures are performed by oral surgeons. An incision is made into the gum and the tooth is cut into sections for extraction.

Tips to Recover After Extraction

• Be Careful About What You Eat

You must stick to a diet that consists of liquids and soft foods after the extraction. After a few days, you can add hard foods but try to chew from the opposite side of the extraction. You must stay away from hot and spicy foods and avoid straws for drinking.

• Take Rest

After the extraction, you must stay away from strenuous physical activities. You must avoid picking heavy items and not go to the gym for a few days. Relax as much as you can with the help of elevated pillows.

• Open Your Mouth

You must open your mouth because you might feel stiffness after the surgery which might make you reluctant to opening mouth. But you should try to open your mouth a few times a day or else the stiffness will become permanent.

• Rinse Your Mouth With Salt- Water

The next day after the wisdom tooth removal surgery, rinse your mouth with salt and warm water. Rinse your mouth with this mixture several times a day, more so after eating and drinking. You must follow all the instructions suggested by the dentist so that you can recover fast.