What to Expect with a Tooth Extraction

Do you find yourself getting stressed out and anxious when you have to see a dentist? You’re certainly not alone. Most people find the idea of seeing a dentist a scary one. The sharp instruments used and the fear of the unknown can lead to a fear of receiving necessary dental care. The best way to combat this fear is to learn all about what you can expect when you visit your dentist.

If you’re in need of a tooth extraction, you are probably feeling a little bit of anxiety about it. Fortunately, you can speak to a compassionate dentist in Lake Katrine about your procedure. This will assist in alleviating any fears you have about having your tooth extracted. Your dentist will be able to inform you of what you can expect to happen while your tooth is extracted, as well as how to best prepare yourself and what to expect afterwards. An estimate of the total cost will also be provided to you.

When a dentist makes the decision to extract a tooth, it is typically because the tooth has become broken, loose, or damaged beyond repair. This routine procedure consists of your dentist removing the tooth from the jawbone socket. Being aware of what to expect before, during and after your extraction will help you feel less nervous.

In the weeks leading up to your extraction, your dentist will need to take an x-ray so that he or she can decide what the best method of extraction is. In addition to this, your dentist will speak with you about your medical history. He or she will also decide upon the best sedation method to use. In the week before you have your procedure, you need to notify your dentist if you experience nasal congestion, a cold, nausea or vomiting. Your extraction procedure may need to be rescheduled until your symptoms subside.

What to Know About Having a Tooth Extracted

Before your procedure, your dentist needs to be informed of any medications or supplements you take. He or she should also be told about any conditions you have that make it more likely that you could develop an infection afterwards. These conditions may include:

• Liver disease (cirrhosis)
• Congenital heart defects
• Damaged or man-made heart valves
• History of bacterial endocarditis
• Artificial joints, such as knee or hip replacements
• Impaired immune system

You may be interested to learn that there are two different types of extraction procedures. Simple extractions are performed when the dentist can see the tooth. During this procedure, your dentist will loosen and remove the tooth. Surgical extractions are performed when the dentist can’t see the tooth because it’s located under the gum line. During this procedure, your dentist will make a tiny cut in your gums before taking the tooth out.

No matter what type of extraction you have done, you will be placed under a local anesthetic. Some types of surgical extractions may utilize an intravenous anesthetic. Regardless of the type of anesthetic used, you should inform your dentist if you feel any sort of pain during your procedure.

What to Know After a Tooth Is Extracted

After the procedure, your dentist in Lake Katrine will have you bite down on a piece of gauze. This reduces bleeding and assists in the production of a blood clot at the procedure site. Your dentist may also use self-dissolving stitches at site.

Once you are home, you should follow the instructions below to be sure that your mouth heals properly:

• Take the next 24 hours to rest.
• Keep the gauze in your mouth for at least three hours. You can replace the gauze whenever needed.
• Use ice in 10-minute intervals.
• When you lay down, prop your head up on pillows.
• Don’t rinse, spit, or drink from a straw for at least 24 hours.
• After 24 hours have passed, use a mixture of 8 ounces of warm water and ¼ teaspoon of salt to rinse your mouth.
• Eat soft foods until the site heals.
• Avoid the site of the extraction when brushing and flossing.
• Take painkillers as directed by your dentist.

You can expect to experience minor to moderate pain, swelling and bleeding after your procedure. If you have any of the following symptoms, talk to your dentist in Lake Katrine as soon as possible:

• Redness, swelling or excessive discharge
• Severe pain, swelling or bleeding
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever, chills or other signs of infection
• Coughing, shortness of breath or chest pain

If you experience uncontrolled bleeding, intense swelling, excessive pain, chills, fever, redness or difficulty swallowing, you need to contact your dentist in Lake Katrine immediately.

You will need to consume foods that are cold and soft for several days following your extraction procedure. Once your mouth has fully healed you will be able to go back to eating solid foods again. Don’t smoke, spit or drink from a straw – these can lead to the blood clot pulling out of the socket and can cause several complications.

The site of the extraction should be healed within one to two weeks. After this has happened, you can go back to your normal oral health care routines.

What to Know About Wisdom Tooth Extractions

Many people have a third set of molars grow in during adulthood. These teeth are known as the wisdom teeth. While it’s common for these teeth be extracted for preventive reasons, there is a new school of thought within the dental health world as to whether this is necessary or not. Before having your wisdom teeth removed, you should take into account the following factors: benefits, risks, cost and the impact it could have on your quality of life. You should always seek out the opinion of a trustworthy dentist in Lake Katrine before making a final decision.

While some people never have their wisdom teeth grow in, others have them grow in and have plenty of space for them – making wisdom tooth extraction unnecessary. The wisdom tooth should be extracted in cases where a person doesn’t have enough room within their mouths for the spare molars. Failing to remove the wisdom teeth in these instances can lead to serious repercussions for your dental health.

Some dentists believe that the wisdom teeth should be removed as a preventive measure, as this eliminates any possibility of problems popping up later. Other dentists believe that it’s an unnecessary risk and expense. Talk to a dentist in Lake Katrine and always seek out a second opinion when you’re making this important medical decision.

The extraction of wisdom teeth is recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) in the following instances:

• Infection
• Development of gum disease
• Pain or discomfort
• Damage to nearby teeth
• Development of cysts or tumors
• Tooth decay

A dentist may choose to perform preventive wisdom tooth extractions for the following reasons:

• Potential for disease
• Age
• Safety

Speak with a dentist in Lake Katrine to find out more about wisdom tooth extraction.