Teeth extraction is the process of removing a badly damaged tooth, from your dental arch. The dentist will use special surgical instruments to loosen the tooth from the jaw. But in the case of an impacted wisdom tooth, which is a surgical extraction the dentist might cut into the gum and bone to get access and have a firm grip on the teeth, and the tooth will be pulled out. Before a tooth is extracted, there must have been pain and there is no other chance of saving the tooth.
Tooth extraction might not be a welcoming option to think about, but it is a normal part of maintaining a healthier life. Many people will say that they can never go for teeth extraction, but it is not as bad as people think. Teeth extraction is one of the most common dental treatments. Most people think that you must remove a tooth whenever you visit a dental clinic, but that’s not always true. You cannot be asked to go for tooth extraction if you are used to a routine dental visit. Also, when you extract your teeth and maintain good oral hygiene afterward, you are not likely to remove a tooth ever again. Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene will keep you far from extracting your teeth.
During the process of tooth extraction, the dentist will administer local anesthetics so that you will not feel pain; during the process, you can only feel pressure but not pain. In some cases dentists use a general anesthetic, which will make you sleep during the process.
What Happens When the Tooth is pulled out?
When the tooth is pulled out; the dentist will put a gauze pad or cotton wool pellet in the socket to stop the bleeding. You will be instructed to bite together on the gauze or cotton wool. For a surgical extraction, self-dissolving stitches are made at the extraction site.
What you should do after tooth extraction
What you should do after your tooth extraction is simple which is; follow all the instructions given to you by your dentist. below are the post-extraction instructions given by the dentist;
- Do not take your Tongue to the extracted site:
Once your teeth are pulled out; do not take your tongue to the extracted site this will help to reduce the bleeding.
- Do not rinse your mouth:
You should not rinse your mouth and the area for 24 hours. This will allow the socket to heal, rinsing the socket will damage the blood clot and can introduce infection into the socket.
- Do not drink alcohol
You should avoid drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours, as this can encourage bleeding and delay healing.
- Eat and Drink with Ease
You should avoid chewing on that area of your mouth; eat soft foods like soup, and do not eat hot food or drink hot water, eat lukewarm food. Do not drink using a straw.
- Do Not Smoke:
Don’t smoke for at least one week after tooth extraction; smoking will increase your blood pressure and bleeding will continue this will prologue the healing process.
- Brushing your Teeth:
It is very necessary you keep your mouth clean after tooth extraction; this will help to reduce infection to the side. Thus, you should be careful when brushing your teeth. And do not brush around the extraction site for 24 hours.
- Salt in warm water therapy:
Salt in warm water therapy should start 72 hours after the extraction, this helps to heal the socket. Put a teaspoonful of salt in a glass of warm water and gently rinsed around the socket at least five times a day for one week. This can help to clean and heal the area.
- Get enough rest
After tooth extraction, you should get enough rest at home. Do not do strenuous work for at least 24 hours or more depending on how you feel. Do not engage in exercise. When sleeping try and elevate your head using a pillow, this will also help to stop the bleeding.
What you should do if Bleeding continues at Home After Teeth Extraction
When at home and you notice bleeding, do not rinse out, rinsing out will not stop the bleeding, but rather it will trigger it. You should apply pressure to the socket by Biting firmly on a folded piece of clean cotton material such as a handkerchief for at least 15 minutes. Place it directly over the extraction site. But in severe bleeding that you seem not to control, contact your dentist.
How to relieve teeth extraction pain
Most people usually have pain after tooth extraction. Your dentist will prescribe a simple pain reliever for you, it will be enough to manage the pain. If you think of getting a pain reliever over the counter for yourself, do not buy aspirin or anything containing aspirin because it can cause further bleeding.
What you should do if Teeth Extraction pain continues.
The extracted site can be infected with bacteria when you don’t keep proper oral hygiene or when your teeth are not cleaned professionally prior to extraction, this is known as a dry socket and it can be very painful. It happens when there is little or no blood clot in the tooth socket. When you experience this; it is important to see your dentist who may place a dressing in the socket and antibiotics will be prescribed to help relieve the infection.