No one wants to have a tooth extraction, but sometimes it is the only viable option. You may need to have a tooth removed because you’ve been in an accident, have gum disease, have an orthodontic issue, or are experiencing serious tooth decay. Many people need their wisdom teeth pulled. And while the thought of this procedure may make you shudder, it shouldn’t. Having a damaged or infected tooth removed is nothing like it used to be. Although you should take a tooth extraction seriously, an experienced dental professional can handle it while minimising the physical effects. They will also help you decide on what cosmetic steps you can take to deal with missing teeth.
Once you learn the truth, you will stop worrying about the procedure. Common misconceptions about tooth extraction include the following:
Tooth Extractions Are Painful
In movies about frontier life, having a tooth extracted included a bottle of whisky, physical restraints, and a pair of pliers. The patient was always screaming. Tooth extraction in the distant past was an excruciating process. However, with modern pain management medications and advanced dental tools, you should experience a nearly painless procedure.
In most cases, your dentist will use a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. They will then use a tool to loosen the affected tooth. At this point, you may feel pressure, but you should not feel pain. Once the natural tooth is removed with forceps, you may need a stitch or two. Your dentist will also recommend some mild pain relief and discuss other ways to soothe any discomfort. At some point, your dentist will prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. This process applies to wisdom tooth removal as well, although that procedure is often complicated by impaction.
If your tooth extraction is unusually complicated, your dentist may elect to put you under using general anaesthesia. In that case, you will truly feel nothing.
Recovering from a Tooth Extraction Is a Long Process
Tooth extraction is a dental operation, but the initial recovery period is not that long. Immediately after the extraction, you will need to keep a gauze pack in your mouth for around 30 minutes. You can begin to eat soft foods in as little as an hour as long as you chew on the opposite side of the extraction.
For the rest of the day, you should rest and avoid strenuous activity. You should also refrain from drinking alcohol or smoking for 24 hours.
The day after the extraction, you will need to gently rinse your mouth with saltwater and restart brushing and flossing. You may need mild pain relief for a few days. After about five days, most of the swelling should be gone as well as your other symptoms.
It Will Take Time to Fully Recover
Requiring a long time to fully recover is another myth. After the pain and swelling are gone, your gum will continue to heal quickly. After several weeks, you should only notice a slight tenderness and sensitivity to heat and cold. If you are planning on having a dental implant, you will probably be asked to wait for 4 to 6 months for the socket and bone to completely heal first. Your dentist needs the bone to recover completely before inserting the dental implant.
Tooth Extraction Is the Only Option
In general, tooth extraction is actually the last option for a seriously damaged tooth. If you have a tooth with inflamed or infected pulp, your dentist may opt to perform a root canal. This procedure removes the infected tooth pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and then fills and seals it. In some cases, your dentist will be able to preserve your tooth by removing the decayed portion and then applying a crown over what is left. Your dentist will take the time to discuss all of your options before settling on tooth extraction.
Mosman Fine Dental Solutions
Are you worried that you may need a tooth extraction? Are you avoiding the dentist because you fear the pain? Please don’t. For most patients, tooth extractions are not painful, and the sooner you act, the better for your dental health. At Mosman Fine Dental, you will get the advanced care that you need from well-trained and experienced professionals. Our staff will offer you an in-depth consultation so that you can make an informed decision about your dental care. We also offer comprehensive oral exams as a preventative measure for your teeth. We can inform you about replacement options such as a dental implant or a dental bridge. Contact us today for a consultation. We will explain what treatment options will work best for you.
