Post-op Instructions for Tooth Extractions

What Is a Tooth Extraction?

It is a dental procedure that detaches a natural tooth from the jawbone. Typically, simple to the extractions and tail rocking a tooth back and forth to weaken it from the jaw so that it can detach from the socket. However, some complex situations require surgical tooth extraction. Such procedures entail cutting the gums to expose the bone tissue underneath for better access to the tooth. Further, a dentist may determine to break the tooth into small pieces for easier extraction.

Why Would Anyone Want to Extract Their Teeth?

No one ever requests a tooth extraction in Smithtown, NY, simply because they want to. If anything, the extractions are recommended by dentists after a comprehensive evaluation of your oral cavity. Some of the reasons why a dentist would recommend extracting your natural teeth instead of looking for different ways to preserve them include the following:

• Severe tooth decay – tooth cavities can be treated in many ways, including dental fillings, root canal therapy, and dental crowns. If a dentist recommends a tooth extraction, it means that your decay is too severe that saving the tooth is out of the question.
• Advanced periodontal disease – is also called periodontitis. It features an infection that has advanced and progressed due to delayed or neglected treatment during the initial stages of infection. Advanced periodontal disease attacks the jawbone as much as the gums. Eventually, it weakens the support and stability of your natural teeth, causing them to be shaky and weak and start falling off. Therefore, one of the treatment alternatives for periodontitis is tooth extraction.
• Impacted tooth – Occurs when a tooth erupts improperly, remaining stuck underneath the gums. Such a tooth causes dental pain and swelling, leaving a gap in your mouth when you smile. The only way to handle such a tooth is by extracting it surgically.
• Problematic wisdom teeth – wisdom teeth are the last molars to erupt in an adult’s mouth, usually between ages 16 and 25. Since they are last to erupt, the rest of the teeth are already situated in the jawbone, which may leave little to no room for the new teeth to grow.
• Overcrowding – when you have an overcrowded mouth, you have insufficient room in your jawbone for the rest of the teeth to align properly. In such cases, an orthodontist may recommend removing one or two teeth to create more space in your jawbone for the rest to be positioned correctly.

What Happens After Tooth Extraction?

Without local anesthesia and sedation dentistry, many patients will not be able to get through until the extraction procedure. The reason is that it is an invasive procedure that causes intense pain. However, you may not feel anything during your treatment.

Immediately after the extraction, you will not be able to feel anything in your mouth until numbing wears off. When it does, expect the following side effects:

• Bleeding – your dentist will have you place goes over the wound until the bleeding stops.
• Swelling – your gums and inner cheeks will feel swollen for a few days after tooth extraction.
• Pain and tenderness – your mouth will be sore to the touch and painful. Usually, dentists prescribe pain medication to help manage your pain after the extraction surgery.

How Long Will It Take Before the Side Effects Disappear?

Most of the side effects you experience immediately after your tooth extraction procedure will disappear within one to three days. It differs from one patient to another depending on Your immune system and how well you care for your mouth post-procedure. However, some side effects will only disappear once your mouth has fully healed. The healing period takes between 7 and 14 days, depending on the type of tooth extraction and the tooth’s location.

Post-operative Instructions for Caring for Your Mouth After Tooth Extraction

At Joseph B Pantaleo DDS, we do not allow our patients to leave the clinic without instructions to help them care for their oral health after treatment. Some instructions you need are:

• Replace your toothbrush with a soft-bristled one.
• Drink water more than you do other fluids.
• Use a straw for drinking fluids to prevent dry air from entering your mouth and causing a dry socket.
• Eat soft foods only.
• Take your prescribed pain medication.
• Rest adequately, especially during the first week after your treatment.