Even though our teeth were meant to be permanent, you will find that there are inevitable circumstances in which you must have your tooth or teeth extracted. Tooth extraction is the permanent removal of a natural tooth, sometimes because of persistent gum diseases, tooth decay, overcrowding, or damage from trauma. The good news is that there are other options that you can pursue with your dentist to replace your lost tooth. The big question here is what oral health standards you should maintain after tooth extraction.
What to Expect With Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is performed by an oral surgeon, which is a dentist with special training to perform surgery. The procedure can be as simple as just pulling out the tooth or as complex as your dentist cutting away some gum and bone tissue before gently using a forceps to remove it from the jawbone.
What Happens After Tooth Extraction?
Once the tooth has been pulled out, a blood clot forms in the socket. The dentist will give you a gauze pad to cover the socket. You will have to bite the gauze down to help stop the bleeding. Should the bleeding not cease right away, your dentist will apply a sedative dressing to the socket. This dressing will remain for several days to help stop the bleeding and allow time for a new blood clot to develop.
What Follows After Leaving the Dental Office?
It is best to only take painkillers as prescribed by your dentist. You can use an ice bag on the affected area after the procedure to reduce any swelling. Firmly yet gently bite down on the gauze pad. This helps in reducing bleeding and facilitates the formation of a clot in the empty tooth socket.
It would help if you also stay put for at least 24 hours after extraction and limit any activities for a day or two. Do not rinse or spit forcefully for at least 24 hours after extraction. Such events could dislodge the blood clot and restart the bleeding. After 24 hours, you can rinse your mouth using a salt solution containing 8 ounces of water and half a teaspoon of salt.
Even though our teeth were meant to be permanent, you will find that there are inevitable circumstances in which you must have your tooth or teeth extracted. Tooth extraction is the permanent removal of a natural tooth, sometimes because of persistent gum diseases, tooth decay, overcrowding, or damage from trauma. The good news is that there are other options that you can pursue with your dentist to replace your lost tooth. The big question here is what oral health standards you should maintain after tooth extraction.