Tooth Removal

A tooth extraction is a dental procedure that removes a tooth from its socket in the gum. It's also known as "pulling a tooth". A general dentist or oral surgeon performs the procedure, which involves numbing the area around the tooth, loosening it with instruments, and pulling it out, and if necessary, placement artificial bone in the empty socket or stitching the gum in the area.

 

The dentist may recommend a tooth extraction for a number of reasons, including:

• Severe decay

• Fracture

• Impaction

• Crowding

• Gum disease

• Other dental injury

• Dying or dead tooth

• Wisdom teeth removal

• Baby teeth not falling out 

 

There are two types of tooth extractions: simple and surgical. A simple extraction can be done without making any incisions in the gums, while a surgical extraction is more complex and may be needed if there is gum tissue covering the tooth.

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After extraction:

After a tooth extraction, you should follow these tips: 

• Bleeding:
  Bite down on a sterile gauze pad for 45 minutes after the appointment to help a blood clot form. If bleeding continues, insert another gauze pad and bite down for another 30 minutes. Don't rinse or spit for 24 hours after surgery. 

• Cleaning:

  Gently brush and floss your other teeth the day after surgery, but avoid the area near the extraction site for at least 3 days. You can gently rinse the area with an antimicrobial mouthwash two to three times a day. After 24 hours, you can use a salt-water mouthwash to help heal the socket. 

• Food:

  Avoid hard and crunchy foods for the first few days. Eat soft foods like rice, pasta, eggs, yogurt, and  applesauce. Avoid drinking through straws, as this can dislodge blood clots. 

• Activity:

  Avoid strenuous activity for at least two days. You can return to work or school within a day or two, but you may need to take a few more days off work if your job requires a lot of lifting or physical labor. 

• Smoking:

  Avoid smoking for at least 5 days after surgery. Smoking can hinder the healing process and increase the risk of complications. 

• Rest:

  Rest quietly with your head elevated for the remainder of the day. Get up slowly from a reclined position to prevent dizziness

• Pain Management:

  Take prescribed pain relievers or over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed. You can also use ice packs on the surgical area for the first 48 hours.