It can be scary to hear that you need to have a tooth extracted, but for many patients, part of the fear is not knowing what to expect. If you’ll be needing a tooth extraction soon, here’s what you can expect to happen during treatment, and how you can ensure that your healing process goes as smoothly as possible.
Tooth Extraction Steps
Whether you need a simple or complicated tooth extraction, the steps involved are basically the same. Here’s a general idea of what will happen during the procedure.
Numbing the Tooth
The first thing your dentist will do is numb the tooth and surrounding area so you will not feel any pain during the procedure.
Extracting the Tooth
During your tooth extraction, your dentist will remove the tooth by rocking it back and forth to widen its socket. This enables it to be separated from the ligament. Your dentist will use a forceps to grasp it and then pull it from the widened socket.
Closing the Gap
Once the tooth is removed, your dentist will close the extraction site. Any loose bone or infected tissue will also be cleaned out at this time, and the socket will then be compressed so it can return to its proper size. Your dentist will also round off any sharp or jagged edges of bone.
Next, your socket will receive firm pressure with gauze to help slow the bleeding. For surgical tooth extractions, your dentist will then stitch the incision closed to reduce the risk of infection.
Recovering From Tooth Extraction
Recovering from tooth extraction can take a few days. Immediately following the procedure, it is important to keep your gauze on the site and apply pressure for 30 to 60 minutes to help keep the bleeding under control. You can minimize any swelling by applying an ice pack to your face.
Other ways to ensure a speedy recovery include:
- Be sure to change your gauze as needed
- Rest for at least 24 hours following your procedure
- Take your pain medication as prescribed
- Do not smoke or drink from a straw
- Eat a soft diet for the first two- or three-days post-op
- Be careful around the extraction site when brushing and flossing your teeth
A bit of pain and swelling is perfectly normal following tooth extraction, however if you notice any excessive bleeding, severe pain, a fever, or excessive discharge coming from the site, contact your dentist as soon as possible.
About Dr. Lee
Dr. Tony Lee loves being able to help restore his patients’ smiles and relieve any dental pain they may be experiencing. If you have a tooth that needs extraction, Dr. Lee is proud to provide you with compassionate, gentle care that will relieve any related pain and get you on the road to recovery.
To schedule an extraction or any other kind of dental appointment at Total Dental Care, please visit our website or call us today at 904-808-8779.