It may be frightening and nerve-wracking to be faced with the prospect of tooth extraction. Read on to learn more about this procedure. Unknown to many, tooth extraction is a common dental procedure, and knowing the process involved can help ease one's fear.
A filling, crown, or other dental treatment is typically used to restore teeth that have been fractured or damaged. However, if the damage is too severe to be repaired, a dentist may suggest extracting the tooth. Other reasons for a tooth extraction include:
Before tooth extraction, the dentist will go over the patient's medical and dental history and take the necessary x-rays. The x-ray will show the length, form, and location of the tooth and surrounding bone. The dentist may use this information to decide the tooth extraction method, which can be either simple or surgical.
The dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the tooth's region before proceeding with the extraction. The dentist may also use intravenous (IV) anesthesia, which may vary from conscious sedation to general anesthetic, during a more complex extraction, known as a surgical tooth extraction. In this situation, patients need to make arrangements for transport home after the operation and have someone watch them until the effects of the anesthetic have worn off.
A simple extraction is done when the tooth is above the gum and visible. The dentist will numb the tooth and gum tissue and loosen it using an elevator before extracting it with dental forceps.
A surgical extraction is a more complicated procedure for removing a tooth that breaks at the gum line or has not yet erupted. The dental professional will make a tiny incision on the gum and remove the underlying tooth during a surgical extraction.
After tooth extraction, an essential thing to remember is to keep the area clean and free of infection. Following the treatment, the dentist will provide specific aftercare recommendations. Still, during the first 24 hours after the extraction, patients should avoid smoking, aggressively rinsing the mouth, or brushing around the extraction area.
Some pain and discomfort may occur after the procedure. In certain instances, the dentist may suggest or prescribe a pain reliever. Applying an ice pack to the cheek may help to decrease swelling. Limit vigorous exercise, stay away from hot drinks, and do not drink via a straw. Normally, discomfort should subside within three days to two weeks. If you have persistent or severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or a fever, contact your dental professional at once.
Whether you have undergone the procedure before or this is your first time, the best way to ensure a successful and pain-free operation is to carefully follow your dentist's instructions before and after the procedure. Tooth extraction can help you maintain a healthy, confident smile.
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