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Tooth Hurts? Are you not able to bite properly? Does that Wisdom tooth bother you at all? We got solutions for all. If you have a Infected tooth, we try to save it and extractions are our last resort.
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Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction, also known as dental extraction or tooth removal, is a dental procedure in which a tooth is intentionally removed from its socket in the jawbone. This may be necessary due to various reasons, including severe tooth decay, advanced gum disease, crowding of teeth, impacted wisdom teeth, or preparation for orthodontic treatment. The procedure typically involves numbing the area with a local anesthetic to minimize pain and discomfort. The dentist or oral surgeon loosens the tooth within its socket and gently extracts it using specialized dental instruments. Aftercare instructions are provided to promote healing and minimize complications following the extraction.
Wisdom Tooth / Oral Surgery
Wisdom teeth erupts in the late teens when one is being considered as acquired enough wisdom and hence the name. These teeth can be a great value when they are in the right position and healthy. Most often, they require removal recommendation from your Dentist for various reasons.
Wisdom Teeth Removal for Braces?
The Dentist may recommend the removal of Wisdom Teeth before starting the treatment for Orthodontics / Braces. Before making these decisions, your dentist studies your mouth, wisdom teeth position, and alignment with the help of x-rays, pictures, and panoramic views of your mouth and jaws.
Why is Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom Teeth may become an issue if there is no space for them. As a result, the new growing teeth can erupt in the wrong position. With enough space, these Wisdom Teeth can help us chew food. It is widespread to feel discomfort when the third molars erupt.
However, there are many reasons why the Wisdom teeth need to be removed.
Common reasons include wrong position, no room in the mouth, pain, cyst, tumors, Gum Disease, and Tooth Decay.
The Dentist may recommend the removal of Wisdom Teeth before starting the treatment for Orthodontics / Braces. Before making these decisions, your dentist studies your mouth, wisdom teeth position, and alignment with the help of x-rays, pictures, and panoramic views of your mouth and jaws.
Top 5 Things to Know About Wisdom Teeth
- Most adults have 4 Wisdom Teeth
- Wisdom teeth are also called “3rd molars.”
- Many people need them removed
- Impacted wisdom teeth can create Problems
- Removal of wisdom teeth is a routine procedure
Reasons for Tooth Extraction
Following are some of the common reasons for the extraction of teeth:
- grossly decayed teeth
- teeth with severe periodontal/gum disease
- Infected tooth
- Impacted teeth
- Before start of Orthodontic treatment
- Teeth in the fracture line
Teeth in the line of radiation therapy to head and neck, but Before radiation therapy.
If you are taking any medications for any health problems or are allergic to any medications or latex gloves, please inform your dentist before the procedure.
Simple extractions are usually performed on teeth that can be easily accessed in the mouth. Surgical extractions are performed when access to the teeth is difficult; for example, in case of impacted teeth, teeth are broken below the gum line. An incision is usually placed with surgical extractions, and sutures will be required.
The initial healing time of an extraction site is usually four weeks. However, the first week of care at the extraction site is crucial to prevent any post-operative complications like dry socket, bleeding, infection, etc.
Post Operative Instructions for Tooth Extraction
The initial healing period of the extraction site is usually from 1-2 weeks; gum tissue heals in 3-4 weeks, and complete healing of the bone at the extraction site may take about 6-8 months. You should expect discomfort(pain), bleeding, and swelling in the first 24 hours after the extractions as the area starts healing.Follow these simple instructions for better and faster healing of the extraction site:
- Do not disturb the wound, as the blood clot that has formed serves as the nutrition for the healing of the wound.
- Do not smoke or use any tobacco products or drink alcohol for atleast 72 hours following extraction.
- Do not keep spitting because you taste blood in your mouth. Swallow the saliva with the blood as this will prevent the dislodgement of the clot.
- Do not use a straw to drink as this may dislodge the clot from the socket that could eventually lead to a condition called as “dry socket”, which is a very painful condition of the extraction site.
- Do not eat or drink anything that is very hot ,spicy or has any tiny seeds in them like sesame seeds.
- Avoid rinsing with any kind of mouthrinses for atleast 24 hours. After 24 hours start rinsing gently with warm salt water 3-4 times a day.
- Soft diet is recommended the first 2 days following extraction. Take all the prescribed medications as advised.
- In case of swelling place an ice-pack over the area.
- Maintain a soft diet for the first 24-48 hours following extraction . ex-yogurt, pudding mashed potatoes, soups (warm) etc.
- Limit your physical activity for the first 24 hours. Avoid blowing your nose violently or any kind of sports related diving activities as it may increase bleeding.
- Keep your head at an elevated level while sleeping.
- If sutures have been placed, do not disturb it. They will dissolve away in 5-6 days.
- Keep your post-operative appointment as we can monitor your healing.
Additional Information can be found here.
If you experience increased pain 3-4 days after extraction,it could be because of infection of the extraction area called as Dry Socket. Please call our office immediately for follow up at 214-387-8400.
Frequently Asked Questions
The recovery time after a tooth extraction procedure varies depending on factors such as the type of extraction, your overall health, and your body’s natural healing process. Typically, the initial recovery period involves 1-2 days of rest and avoiding strenuous activities. Swelling, discomfort, and mild pain can persist for a few days, but these symptoms gradually subside. Full recovery, which includes forming new bone and gum tissue, may take several weeks to months. Most people can return to normal activities within a week. Still, it’s important to follow post-operative care instructions from the dentist or oral surgeon to facilitate a smooth and comfortable recovery.
The pain experienced during a tooth extraction varies based on several factors, including the tooth’s location, complexity of the extraction, individual pain tolerance, and the dentist’s technique. Dentists numb the area with local anesthesia, minimizing immediate pain during the procedure. Patients may feel pressure and some tugging, but not sharp pain. After the extraction, discomfort and mild pain are joint, usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medication. Severe pain or persistent pain can occur but is rare and may signal complications. The overall experience varies, but modern dentistry aims to make tooth extractions as comfortable and pain-free as possible.
To promote faster healing of gums after a tooth extraction:
- Follow Post-Op Instructions: Adhere to your dentist’s or oral surgeon’s post-operative care guidelines, which may include instructions for rest, diet, and medication.
- Keep the Area Clean: Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater several times daily and avoid vigorous rinsing for the first 24 hours.
- Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking and alcohol can delay healing, so it’s best to abstain during recovery.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Soft Foods: Drink plenty of water and consume a soft diet to avoid putting undue pressure on the extraction site.
- Minimize Physical Activity: Rest and avoid strenuous activities during the initial recovery period.
- Don’t Disturb the Blood Clot: Protect the blood clot that forms in the socket as it aids in healing; avoid sucking through straws or spitting forcefully.
- Pain Management: Use over-the-counter pain medication as directed to manage discomfort.
- Monitor for Complications: Contact your dentist if you experience severe or persistent pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection.
These practices can help ensure a faster and smoother recovery after a tooth extraction.
The pain experienced during tooth extraction is not relevant to the type of tooth that needs extraction but rather to factors like the tooth’s condition, the complexity of the extraction, and individual pain tolerance. However, some wisdom tooth extractions, significantly impacted ones (partially or wholly enclosed within the jawbone), can be more uncomfortable due to the need for more extensive surgical procedures. Surgical Procedures can lead to more post-operative discomfort and a more extended recovery period. Generally, with proper anesthesia and skilled dental care, any tooth extraction can be manageable in terms of pain and discomfort, and the discomfort typically subsides during the recovery process.
After a tooth extraction, you can experience some pain relief with over-the-counter, non-prescription pain medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). These medications can help reduce the inflammation, thereby reducing the pain. Always follow the dosage specified on the product label or your dentist’s recommendations. If the pain is more severe or persistent, your dentist can prescribe a more vital pain medication. It’s important to avoid aspirin, as it can increase the risk of bleeding. Additionally, following post-operative care instructions, including rest, gentle rinsing, and a soft diet, can help minimize pain and promote a smooth recovery.
Decayed teeth may not be more accessible to extract, and the ease of extraction depends on various factors. Severe tooth decay can weaken a tooth, making it more fragile, which could theoretically make it easier to remove. However, factors like the tooth’s position, roots, and infection or inflammation in the surrounding tissues can complicate the extraction process. In some cases, extensive decay may result in the need for a more complex extraction procedure. The dentist will assess each case individually to determine the best approach for extraction, taking into consideration the tooth’s condition and other relevant factors.
Pain in the surrounding teeth after a tooth extraction is usually transient and typically lasts a few days to a week. This discomfort can be due to inflammation or pain from the extraction site. Post-operative pain is often most intense in the first 24 to 48 hours and gradually subsides. Over-the-counter pain medication can help manage this discomfort. However, if the pain persists beyond a week, becomes more severe, or is associated with other concerning symptoms, it’s essential to consult your dentist. Proper oral hygiene, adherence to post-operative instructions and time allow the surrounding teeth to heal, and the pain should gradually diminish.