How Dental Extraction Can Help You Reduce Pain?
There are only a few things more painful than a toothache. A toothache causes agony that is unexplainable in words. There are a few ways of dealing with the pain. A dentist will advise you accordingly on the best option. Sometimes the only option is removing the tooth. So what are these instances when tooth extraction is the only option?
When Tooth Extraction is Necessary
Permanent teeth are meant to last forever but not all people last with them forever. There comes a time when removing some is inevitable. A damaged or infected tooth can be in such a condition that it cannot be repaired and it has to be removed. Other reasons when a tooth has to be extracted include:
Overcrowding of Teeth
Some people have more teeth than their mouths can hold. An orthodontist can remove a tooth or two to help such a person get well-aligned teeth. Also, a tooth can fail to break through the gum and it has to be removed.
Infection
Sometimes an infection can extend to the pulp and the infected tooth has to be removed. Root canal therapy is usually the first choice to save the tooth but if it doesn’t work then it has to be removed.
Risk of Infection
If your immune system is at risk, a tooth may have to be extracted. For example, if you are under chemo, the risk of a certain disease is enough to have your tooth pulled off.
Gum Disease
If you are diagnosed with the gum disease and it has caused your teeth to loosen, your dentist may recommend an extraction.
What You Need To Tell Your Dentist before Having an Extraction
The whole procedure of tooth extraction is very safe. However, there may be some complications that can be avoided if you talk to your dentist before the beginning of the procedure.
Some conditions put you at risk of having a severe infection after the extraction. If you talk to the dentist, he will give you some antibiotics to lower the risk. Tell him about all the medical supplements you might be taking as well as your medical history. Ensure he knows if you have any of the following conditions:
- Man-made or damaged heart valves
- A congenital heart defect
- Liver disease
- Any artificial joint. For example, a hip joint.
- If your immune system is impaired
What to Do After the Tooth Has Been Extracted
After the procedure is complete, the dentist will send you home to recover. It won’t take long before you fully recover. During the time, expect some discomfort. You can help reduce the discomfort by doing this:
- Following the dentist’s instructions to the letter.
- Taking the painkillers prescribed by your dentist.
- Applying ice on the area the tooth was extracted. It helps reduce swelling. Just ensure you apply the ice in a span of 10 minutes.
- Limiting your activities in the first few days after the extraction.
- Avoiding drinking with a straw in the first 24 hours
- Maintaining good oral health. Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss them as well. However, avoid where the tooth was extracted as much as possible.
- Avoiding smoking as it delays healing
- Avoiding hard foods and eating soft foods such as yogurt, pudding, and soup among other foods.
When to Visit Your Dentist Again
Feeling some pain immediately after extraction is normal. There will also be some swelling and residual bleeding. The swelling and bleeding should not be extreme though.
Bleeding should not even be experienced five hours after the tooth has been extracted. If you bleed after five hours, call your dentist and you will be advised accordingly. Also, talk to your dentist if:
- You experience signs of a serious infection.
- You keep of feeling nausea or need to vomit
- You experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or cough severely
- You have excessive discharge from the extraction site.
New tissue and bone will grow in the extraction site. However, having a gap in your mouth makes your natural teeth move out of their natural position with time. Having dental implants or bridges can help avoid that.
Dental Clinic in Lancaster
If you are looking for the best dental services in Lancaster, Martin Orro DDS is the answer. We have been doing this for quite some time and you can count on our experience. Contact us today for any questions or more information.