When it comes to modern dentistry, one of the most important aspects is the goal of keeping natural teeth in place. Today’s dentists do not want to replace your teeth, in other words, but would rather prefer to keep natural teeth in their natural spots in your mouth. This is important for both your oral health as well as your quality of life. Sometimes, however, teeth are unable to be saved. When this happens, you might have to have a tooth extraction done in order to remove the injured or infected tooth in question. Do not worry, the tooth extraction procedure is a common one. What is a tooth extraction?
A tooth extraction, also known as having a tooth pulled is a procedure wherein we will carefully remove a tooth that has become too hazardous to keep in place. Often times this is the result of traumatic injury that has damaged the tooth beyond repair, and sometimes it is because the tooth in question was too decayed or infected to save. Whatever the reason, having a tooth extracted is a fairly straightforward process, although this also depends on your particular situation.
What is the tooth extraction process?
Many people envision a dentist literally pulling out a tooth using pliers when they think of a tooth extraction. In reality, of course, this is not the case. When it comes time for your tooth to be extracted, the area in question will be numbed in order to help you avoid any discomfort during the procedure.
The tooth will then be removed. Sometimes our dentists will use forceps to gently rock the tooth out of place, while other times it might be necessary to break the tooth into several pieces in order to remove it. Regardless of the particular situation, the tooth will be removed and then the wound will be tended to. Sometimes this involved stitches, which will help hold your gum in place and promote healing.
How long does it take to recover after a tooth extraction?
While tooth extraction is not an uncommon procedure, it is still a dental surgical procedure that will require a bit of down time. You should plan to spend the rest of the day after having your tooth removed resting quietly. Make sure that you have OTC painkillers around to help with discomfort after the local anesthetic begins to wear off, and avoid exercise or vigorous activity, as this can disturb the wound and induce bleeding. Make sure you take in plenty of water. You should develop a blood clot over your wound within the first 24 hours or so after surgery was completed. Do not disturb this clot!
Assuming that all goes normally, you can usually have stitches removed about a week after surgery and return to your regular eating and drinking routine, with the wound completely healed after a few weeks.
To learn more about tooth extraction and how it can help improve your quality of life if you are suffering from a failing tooth, contact South Main Dental today at 662-489-7768!
