Dental Extractions: What You Need to Know
A dental extraction is the pulling out of a severely damaged or diseased tooth affecting your oral health. The procedure comes in two types; a simple extraction and a surgical extraction. A qualified dentist carries out both approaches at the dental clinic in Vernon.
You may have a dental extraction due to severe gum disease or tooth decay that damages the tooth pulp. It can be part of orthodontic treatment recommended by your dentist. Your tooth may also be too damaged from trauma or impaction, necessitating removal. Here is some information on dental extraction procedures, recovery, and post-operation dental care.
Types of Dental Extractions
- Simple Extractions
A simple dental extraction is carried out when the affected tooth is visible above the gum line. This procedure involves extracting fractured teeth or teeth damaged by tooth decay. Or gum disease. The dentist in V1T5J4 administers local anesthesia. It ensures that you remain comfortable during the procedure.
The recovery for this type of extraction is fast and easy since no incisions are made on the gums. Instead, your dentist will use specific dental tools to loosen the tooth then pull it out. No special preparations are required before the procedure. Post-operation care is also relatively easy.
- Surgical Extraction
Surgical dental extractions are required for more complicated issues. For instance, a tooth that is damaged or causes severe discomfort but is not visible above the gums. Wisdom teeth and impacted teeth are removed through surgical extraction.
This procedure is done after administering strong anesthesia. First, an incision in the gum’s connective tissues is made for the dentist in Vernon, BC, to extract the tooth. Next, the dentist may need to cut the bone tissue around the tooth or the tooth itself into smaller parts for easier extraction.
Tooth Extraction Recovery
Recovery after tooth extraction depends on the extraction performed and the tooth extracted. The recovery process and time for a simple dental extraction are easy and fast. But, you will require extensive care and a more extended recovery period after surgical extraction. In addition, teeth with deeper roots take longer to heal.
For both types of extractions, here are the general post-operative guidelines:
- Immediately after the surgery, bite down on the gauze pad put in your tooth socket by the dentist. Do this for at least 3-4 hours to stop the bleeding and aid in forming a clot. Change the pad whenever it is soaked.
- Relax for at least the first 24 hours. You can resume your routine a day after the procedure with a simple extraction. However, you need to rest longer after surgical extraction.
- Do not use a straw until the site heals. It may dislodge the clot and lead to excess bleeding or a dry socket condition.
- Avoid rinsing the mouth within the first 24 hours after the extraction. After this period, use warm saline water to rinse your mouth but do not spit the water forcefully. You may dislodge the clot.
- Avoid the extraction site while flossing and brushing your teeth after an extraction. Follow the instructions given concerning oral hygiene after surgical extraction.
- Do not smoke or use alcohol as they may delay healing.
- Prop your head when lying down as lying flat prolongs the bleeding.
- Avoid sneezing or blowing the nose if the tooth is extracted from the upper half of the mouth. The action may dislodge the developing clot.
How to Manage Pain After Teeth Extraction
Tips to help manage the pain after the procedure include:
- Take medicine prescribed as directed. Contact your dentist in V1T5J4 if the pain-relieving medication does not help.
- Use a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time to help reduce the swelling. Place it on your cheek close to the area of the extraction.
- Your mouth will remain sore for a few days after surgical extraction. Consume a liquid diet, ease slowly into soft foods. Once you heal, resume your regular diet.
- Continue the saline water rinses to help kill bacteria that increase swelling and pain.
At Ryan K dentistry, dental extractions are handled with expertise using state-of-the-art equipment. In addition, we provide exceptional care for dental extraction during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Contact us for dental extractions and other oral health services for the entire family.