Preparing for a Tooth Extraction: What You Need to Know

Your tooth can get damaged or decayed to the point that it is causing more harm to your oral health and overall well-being. It is recommended to visit the dentist who performs tooth removal near you so that they can determine whether an extraction will be suitable or whether another dental procedure, like a root canal, will be right. If the dentist near you determines tooth extraction will be proper, they will schedule a day for the procedure. So, how do you prepare for the procedure? This piece will help answer this question and more concerning tooth extractions.

What to Expect Before and During Your Appointment

First, the dentist will examine your affected or aching tooth and the surrounding area. A dental x-ray will also be taken to check the extent of the damage or decay. During this stage, you should share your medical history with the dentist. This is to ensure there are no complications during tooth removal.

Before the dentist begins with the tooth removal, an injection is given to numb the area around the damaged or decayed tooth. If the tooth is impacted, the dentist will make an incision over the gum and bone tissue covering the affected tooth. Forceps will be used to grasp the tooth and gently loosen it. The tooth is then pulled gently from the socket.

If the tooth is not impacted, the dentist will use forceps to gently pull it from its socket. The dentist may perform a dental bone graft to prevent bone loss in the gap left by the removed tooth. Stitches are made to close the wound and promote healing.

Post-Extraction Care: Tips for a Smooth Recovery

The dentist who performs tooth extractions in Waco, TX, will provide you with antibiotics and painkillers to help you cope with the pain. He will also provide aftercare tips that you should follow to speed up your recovery.

Here are some of the aftercare tips for a smooth recovery-

Avoid strenuous activity – during the healing period; you should not go to the gym or work out. Additionally, you should avoid strenuous work as it can increase blood pressure, opening the wound and leading to excessive bleeding.

Stick to a soft diet- it is not time to consume hard foods like nuts and crips. Instead, stick to a soft diet composed of soup, scrambled eggs, mashed avocado, and potatoes. Eating a balanced diet is essential in the healing process. Choosing nutritious foods will speed up the healing process.

Avoid smoking and using a straw- when taking liquids, you should avoid using a straw. This is because using a straw lead to the dislodging of the blood clot leading to dry socket syndrome. The same case applies to smoking. Smoking leads to the dislodging of the forming blood clot, and a dry socket can lead to damaged nerves and deteriorated jaw and bone.

Maintain good oral health- you might have undergone tooth extraction due to poor oral hygiene that led to tooth decay. Don’t let poor hygiene sabotage your wound or other healthy teeth. Brush twice and floss once daily. Be watchful when brushing to ensure that you don’t irritate the wound by brushing it.

Consider cold therapy- after tooth extraction; you might notice swelling around the extraction site. However, excessive swelling can hinder the recovery process, lengthening it. So, you can apply a cold pack to the side of the extraction on the cheek for 15 minutes. Applying the cold compress slows the blood flow reducing swelling and discomfort. The therapy is effective for the first 2 days after tooth extraction.

Restoring Your Smile After Extraction

If you desire to restore your smile after tooth extraction, visit Hillcrest Dental Care. The dentist will outline the different options for replacing your missing tooth. Here are some of the options:

• Dental implants- an implant is a replacement for missing tooth roots. It is the most durable and effective method for fixing missing teeth. After placement, a dental crown is anchored onto the implant.
• Dentures- these dental restorations are custom-fitted replacement teeth that can be permanently fixed or removable.
• A dental bridge- dental bridges are suitable if you have healthy teeth on either side of the gap left after tooth removal. A dental bridge is a false tooth bonded to one or two crowns attached to the teeth on either side of the space. The one or two crowns and the replacement tooth or teeth are called dental bridge.