Everything You Need to Know About Teeth Extractions with Langley Dentist at Spire Dental
Tooth extractions are normal procedures and, while they also have their risks, the majority of patients experience a rapid recovery with minimal issues if treatment was determined to be medically necessary. If you are gearing up for a tooth extraction, understanding what the procedure entails, what the possible complications of this procedure might be, and how to recover properly can help relieve any anxiety you may be feeling.
The Extraction Process
Most of the time, it is easy to remove a tooth; however, the difficulty can sometimes be determined by the location and state of the tooth. You can read more about teeth extractions at HealthLinkBC for even more information.
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Consultation and Examination: The dentist will observe you as an initial step to the extraction, usually by taking X-rays, which pinpoint the pain, damage, and its position and condition.
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Anesthesia: To be sure that there will be no discomfort during the procedure, the dentist applies local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. There are times, especially in cases of dental phobia, when sedation is the preferable method.
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Extraction: The dentist will carefully and specifically apply the necessary instruments, as in this case remains a particularly delicate operation, to the jaw area, which will, in turn, carefully loosen the tooth from its socket and then pull it out. In the case of an impaction, the tooth can be extracted following these steps: First, the dentist makes a small cut in the gum to access the tooth. In very difficult cases, there are also scenarios when the tooth may be broken into small chunks to permit a less painful removal.
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Post-Extraction Care: Once the tooth is removed, the dentist will cover the gauze over the place to stop bleeding and help in blood clots. You must follow the aftercare instructions given to you to have little or no discomfort and to avoid complications such as the dry socket.
Possible Issues Following Teeth Extractions
Teeth extractions are an extremely safe procedure, but there is a potential for complications to occur, especially if proper postoperative instructions are not followed after the procedure.
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Dry Socket: This is the most common complication that can happen following an extraction. After a tooth is removed, a “clot” will form in the socket. This clot will either withdraw or dissolve prior to the wound forming a scab and healing. If the bone and nerves at the bottom of the socket become exposed, it will be very painful and will delay the healing process. Ways to avoid a dry socket is to compromise smoke, drink through a straws and in general do not vigorously rinse your mouth for at least 24 hours. Learn more about dry socket at WebMD.
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Infection: After the extraction, there can be infections that can occur from bacteria entering into the open socket. Common indicators of an infection can include continued pain, swelling, fever, and pus formation. Sometimes a dentist will prescribe antibiotics after an extraction to prevent or control infection.
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Damage to Nerve: Although rare, there can be damage to a nerve during the process of removing lower wisdom teeth. Damage to a nerve may include numbness, tingling to the tongue, lips, or chin. Nerve damage is typically temporary in nature, although permanent damage can occur.
What to Expect After a Tooth Extraction
Proper care after an extraction is super important for a complication-free recovery. Your dentist will instruct you on:
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Pain and Swelling: Over-the-counter medications and cold compresses can ease pain and help reduce swelling. You’ll want to follow your dentist’s instructions, and you may need prescription medications if your dentist thinks it’s required.
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Diet and Hydration: During the first few days, stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, and applesauce to aid recovery. Do not consume hot foods and hot beverages that could dislodge the clot. Stay hydrated, but do not drink through a straw to prevent dry socket.
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Oral Hygiene: You will want to care for your mouth and maintain oral hygiene, but do so carefully around the extraction area. Do not brush the extraction site directly for the first 24 hours. You can rinse your mouth gently with a mild solution of saltwater to keep the site clean and promote healing.
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Follow-Up: Your dentist may want you to come back for a follow-up appointment, depending on the difficulty of the extraction, especially if you required stitches.
When to Contact Your Dentist
It is also important that you stay in touch with your dentist if you experience any unusual symptoms – call your Langley dentist if bleeding doesn’t stop, you experience excessive pain or swelling, you have signs of infection such as fever or pus, or you notice numbness or tingling that doesn't subside.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit our Tooth Extractions Service Page.
