Tooth extractions are performed by dentists and oral surgeons for a variety of reasons. The problem could be a painful wisdom tooth or a tooth that has been severely decayed. A dentist may extract a tooth to make room for dental restorations or braces in specific instances.
When is tooth extraction necessary?
Let us begin with an overview of tooth extraction. In many circumstances, a filling, crown, or other dental treatment can be used to heal teeth that have been cracked or damaged by decay. However, if the damage is too serious to restore, your dentist may prescribe extraction. Here are some other reasons why tooth extraction may be required:
- Trauma or damage has caused decay or infection to spread deep into the tooth.
- There isn’t enough space in your mouth to accommodate all of your teeth.
- To make room for the teeth as they migrate into place, orthodontic treatment may necessitate tooth extraction.
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are frequently extracted either before or after they develop.
What is the procedure for extracting a tooth?
Visit Salt Lake Dental if you’re looking for the best tooth extraction procedure in Salt Lake City, UT. Depending on whether your tooth is visible or affected, your extraction will be either simple or surgical.
- Simple extraction – You will be given a local anesthetic, which will numb the area around your tooth, allowing you to feel only pressure rather than pain during the treatment. The dentist will then use an elevator to loosen the tooth and forceps to extract it.
- Surgical extraction – You will most likely be given both local anesthetic and intravenous anesthesia, the latter of which will make you peaceful and relaxed. Depending on your medical condition, you may also be given general anesthesia. You will be unconscious during the procedure if you are given a general anesthetic.
What are the Dos and Don’ts after a tooth extraction?
Dos include:
- Rest – Take it easy over the next few days. You may feel good to carry on as usual, but it is critical to rest and avoid overdoing it after having your tooth out.
- Apply ice – If there is any swelling, a cold pack can help to lessen it. Swelling may not emerge immediately but may persist for a few days.
- Keep it clean – Gargling salt mouthwash is a wonderful and safe approach to keep the wound clean and prevent infections. Try to do this at least once a day. Gargling excessively or for an extended period, on the other hand, may disrupt the mending tissue, so proceed with caution.
- Brush your teeth – Brushing your teeth, as usual, is vital, but try to brush the teeth carefully around the wound site as well to prevent bacteria from accumulating and causing an infection.
Don’ts include:
- Do not smoke – Do not smoke for at least 48 hours following tooth extraction. The chemicals in cigarette smoke can damage the clot, increasing the likelihood of having a dry socket 3-4 days after tooth extraction.
- Don’t consume solids immediately – It’s recommended not to eat solids while you’re still numb. You can begin consuming solids after you can feel your jaws. Soups, mashed potatoes, yogurts, milkshakes, smoothies, and other soft and liquid foods should be consumed after tooth extraction.
- Don’t poke the gap – Having a gap and a little hole between your teeth may feel unusual for a few days, but try not to poke it with your finger or contact it with your tongue. It will cause clot formation to be disrupted and the healing process to be slowed.
We hope that this blog has provided you with all of the information you require regarding tooth extraction. If you’re seeking the best tooth extraction procedure in Salt Lake City, UT, visit Salt Lake Dental and take advantage of our dental care services.