Has the dentist near you recommended that you undergo a tooth extraction because of excessive tooth decay or infection? You can undoubtedly think the dentist is out of his mind and recommending a procedure that you believe is unnecessary. You think you are taking excellent care of your oral health and even visiting your dentist for six monthly checkups. However, have you considered how dental infections can painlessly affect your teeth and put your oral health at risk? If not, it is time you did so right away and researched
tooth extractions near you to have the procedure completed by an experienced dentist.
Tooth decay, infections, and crowding around primary reasons why tooth extractions become essential. You may keep your oral health in excellent condition by following the advice of your dentist and doing everything possible to ensure you are not affected by any dental infections. However, you may have developed the disorder because of a crack in your tooth that you didn’t repair promptly. The minor neglect you showed towards the injury has brought upon you the need to undergo tooth extraction and have it replaced with artificial teeth.
What Do You Do After the Dentist near You Recommends Tooth Extraction?
You undoubtedly have the option of seeking a second opinion on whether the tooth must be extracted as informed by the dentist you first visited. If you see a
dentist in Calgary, NW, for the second opinion, the dentist will take an x-ray of your tooth to determine whether the infection is excessive before recommending that you schedule the procedure for the extraction.
At this time, you must provide the Calgary dentist information about any other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter varieties, herbal supplements, or prescription medications. Provide the dentist with information about your medical history and any other conditions you are suffering from to ensure they are all treated and stabilized before the extraction procedure. The dentist may prescribe antibiotics during the days leading to the process if your surgery is expected to be lengthy, you have a weakened immune system, or a specific medical condition.
The Procedure for Extracting Teeth
Your tooth extraction procedure will either be simple or surgical, depending on whether you have a visible or an impacted tooth.
You receive local anesthesia for a simple extraction to numb the extraction site area and ensure you only feel some pressure but no pain. The dentist uses instruments called elevators to loosen your tooth before extracting it with forceps.
Intravenous and local anesthesia are both provided if you have an impacted tooth needing surgical extraction. If you are incredibly anxious, dentists may decide to give you general anesthesia making you unconscious throughout the procedure. The dentist or oral surgeon will make incisions in your gums to remove bone around the tooth before cutting the tooth itself to be extracted in pieces.
The Risks Associated with Tooth Extractions
Every surgical procedure has some risks associated with it, and tooth extractions are not an exception. However, if your dentist has recommended it, you will likely benefit more than encounter any complications.
Usually, after tooth extractions, a blood clot forms naturally into the socket from where the tooth was extracted. However, non-formation of the blood clot or dislodging can expose the socket and the bone inside. This is known as a dry socket, and when this happens, the dentist protects the area with a sedative dressing for a few days until new clot forms. Some of the risks associated with tooth extractions include bleeding lasting for over 12 hours, nausea or vomiting, severe fever and chills to indicate infections, and redness and swelling at the surgical site. If you experience any of the symptoms described, you must contact the dentist and the earliest.
Recovering From Tooth Extraction
You require a few days to recover from a tooth extraction. In the meanwhile, you can apply an ice pack to your cheek to reduce swelling. You must take any or all medications recommended or prescribed by the dentist without exceptions. Ensure that you leave the gauze pad until it is soaked with blood over the affected area because it helps to aid clot formation.
Do not jump into your regular activities immediately after and rest for at least 24 hours. If you are a smoker and extraction is an excellent time to quit smoking forever. You can have soft foods on the day of the procedure and gradually reintroduce your regular foods with your diet over the next few days.
If you experience any persistent pain or observe signs of infections, schedule an appointment with your dentist promptly, and seek attention.
