A Clear Guide to a Tooth Extraction and Recovery

Many situations can result in tooth extractions in Brandon. We will list some of the most common:

• Severe decay – If you have severe decay, to the point that not even a root canal will save the tooth, it’s best to extract the dental piece.
• Dental trauma – An accident, such as a fall or a blow during contact sports, can result in a tooth fracture. If it’s too severe, you should look for tooth extractions near you.
• Impacted teeth – Whether it is a wisdom tooth or another dental piece, impacted teeth can cause biting issues; therefore, it might be best to extract them.
• Orthodontic reasons – If you don’t have enough room for your teeth, your dentist in Brandon might advise you to remove some of them.
• Periodontitis – It is a disease that destroys the jawbone and the connective tissue that surrounds the teeth.

Nowadays, there are many restorative procedures, such as dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants. You may schedule a consultation visit so our specialists can evaluate you and recommend a proper treatment plan.

So if you already made up your mind, keep reading to know everything about teeth extraction so you can understand the procedure better.

Before the Surgery

During this visit, our surgeon will evaluate the condition of the affected tooth. He or she will take x-rays to see the position of it and explain to you all about the procedure.

Feel free to ask all the questions you may have, including pain management, costs, and recovery.

Your doctor might ask you to take some blood tests to ensure there are no unnecessary risks.

During the Surgery

Our surgeon will numb the area with a local anesthetic for the treatment to be pain-free. The very anxious patients also require sedation dentistry.

Then, he or she will proceed to remove the tooth. The process is usually fast, and most likely, you won’t need any sutures.

After the Surgery

Your dental professional will place a gauze pad on the affected area, which you will have to bite down. Don’t replace it until it is soaked.

You can do certain things to keep the clot in place. Let’s review some of them:

• Keep a soft diet during the first 24 hours.
• You must wait at least a day to resume your daily activities. Any extra effort can dislodge the clot.
• Keep your head elevated when you lay down.
• Apply ice packs on the area in intervals of ten minutes; it will help to reduce the swelling. Also, cold has a numb effect, so it will also alleviate your pain.
• Brush your teeth gently, and be careful with the surgical area. If you have sutures, don’t brush them.
• You must not rinse during the first 48 hours. Also, don’t use mouthwashes containing alcohol because they may irritate the surgical area.
• Avoid hot foods during the first week after the procedure.
• Do not use straws during the first week.
• If you are a smoker, avoid smoking for at least 24 hours after the surgery.
• To manage pain, you may take over-the-counter painkillers, such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen.

Dry Socket

It is the most common side-effect of a dental extraction. It occurs when the clot does not form, which is why you must carefully follow the previous recommendations.

Dry socket is very painful, so contact your dentist if you think you are experiencing it. Keep in mind that it is natural to feel mild pain and discomfort during the first 3-5 days; if it lasts longer, schedule an appointment with your surgeon as soon as possible.