Why Would I Need an Extraction?
Permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime. But in some cases decay or damage to a tooth is too significant to preserve the tooth and it needs to be extracted. There are other reasons for having a tooth pulled. That can include, having a crowded mouth or the risk of infection on an already compromised immune system.
What to expect when having an extraction
Prior to taking out a tooth, an x-ray will be taken to determine if the tooth needs to be extracted or not. The tooth extraction process generally takes between 30- 60 minutes, depending on the condition of the tooth. Before extracting the dentist will use local anesthesia to numb to the area.
Expect to feel a lot of pressure during an extraction. The tooth needs to be moved back and forth to be loosened from the jaw bone. While you will experience quite a bit of pressure there should not be any pain, through the process. If you do experience pain, let the dentist know, so he can numb you some more.
If you are having a tooth extracted that has not broken thru the gums yet, the dentist will make a small incision in the gums so that he can reach the tooth, and then continue the extraction like normal. Sometimes the tooth may need to be broken into smaller pieces to be removed more easily. However, you should still only feel pressure and no pain.
After the tooth has been extracted, you will be biting on some gauze for about 30 minutes, to help form a blood clot in the socket.
Post-op care for an extraction
Medications: You will want to take the medications that the dentist prescribes to you. If you are prescribed pain medication, use them as directed. It is recommended while taking narcotics to alternate those with an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen.
Diet: For a couple of days you will want to eat softer, cooler foods. Avoiding foods that can get stuck in the socket such as: popcorn, sunflower seeds, or other nuts and small things. Hot foods can make the area bleed more, so it’s best to stick to cooler foods for a couple of days. Some foods that are great to eat after an extraction are:
Sports drinks
Juice
Applesauce
Pudding
Yogurt
Gelatins
Pasta
Mashed Potatoes
Eggs
Pancakes
Oatmeal
Soups
Then you can increase solids foods as you can tolerate them.
Oral hygiene: You will want to maintain good oral hygiene after an extraction. Using a soft bristle toothbrush twice a day, and still continue to floss. Do not put your toothbrush inside the socket and brush.
Some potential problems that may happen with a tooth extraction are
Bleeding - If bleeding continues after your tooth has been extracted, fold the gauze and place over the extraction site and bite down gently for 30-60 minutes. You may have bleeding for several hours after an extraction.
Swelling - Swelling doesn’t usually appear until the day after an extraction, and won’t peak until 2-3 days after. You can use an ice pack to help with swelling. Apply on the outside of your face for about 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for the first 24 hours. After about 48 hours, it is recommended to use a warm, moist compress to the cheek.
Dry sockets - Dry socket symptoms don’t usually appear until 3 days after having an extraction. If you feel like you have a dry socket, call the office so they can get you in and treat it.