What to Expect with a Tooth Extraction

It’s not uncommon for people to dread going to the dentist. Many people experience anxiety and fear due to the tools used and the uncertainty of what may happen during the appointment. However, knowing what you can expect can help to alleviate many of these negative feelings.

Many people have a great deal of fear surrounding having a tooth extracted. The best way to keep these fears at bay is to arm yourself with the knowledge of what the cost of your extraction will be, what happens during the procedure, what you can do to prepare yourself for the extraction, and what you can expect to happen after your procedure. Consulting with a compassionate and affordable dentist in Rockledge can get you the answers you need.

On occasion, it becomes necessary to extract a tooth when it has become broken, loose or damaged beyond repair. An extraction procedure consists of your dentist removing the tooth from the socket located in the jawbone. If you’re in need of an extraction, you are probably feeling a little nervous. This is perfectly normal. Knowing what to expect can help you feel less stressed out about the procedure.

To develop a strategy on how to remove your tooth, your dentist will take an x-ray before your procedure. He or she will also discuss your medical history with you. This helps your dentist know what kind of sedation method will be best for you. In the week leading up to your surgery, it’s important that you maintain open communication with your dentist. If you experience nausea, vomiting, a cold or nasal congestion in the week prior to your extraction, you need to let your dentist know so that the procedure can be rescheduled.

What to Expect Before You Have Your Tooth Extraction

Before your tooth extraction, you should provide your dentist in Rockledge with a list of current medications and supplements. Your dentist should also be told about any medical conditions that place you at a higher risk of forming an infection afterwards. These conditions include:

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

The type of extraction procedure that you receive will depend on the complexity of your case. A tooth that is visible within the mouth can be removed via a simple extraction procedure where your dentist will loosen the tooth and gently pull it out. A tooth that is located under the gum line will require a surgical extraction procedure where your dentist will make a small cut on the gums to remove the tooth.

In both types of extractions, local anesthetic is used. In some types of surgical extractions, your dentist may utilize intravenous anesthetic. You should not feel any pain during your procedure at any time. The most you should feel is a bit of pressure. If you experience any pain, tell your dentist immediately.

What to Expect After You Have Your Tooth Extraction

When your dentist in Rockledge has completed extracting your tooth, he or she will put gauze over the tooth socket. You will need to bite down on this gauze for a few hours to reduce bleeding. If needed, your dentist will use self-dissolving stitches for closing the site of the extraction.

Once you get home, you will need to follow the below instructions:

• Avoid activity for 24 hours.
• Bite down on the gauze for three hours. This will help a blood clot to form at the site. Replace the gauze whenever it is necessary.
• Immediately after your procedure, apply ice to the area. Continue to do so every 10 minutes.
• Prop your head up with pillow to reduce bleeding.
• Avoid spitting forcibly, rinsing or using a straw for 24 hours.
• After 24 hours have passed, rinse out the area with a solution comprised of ½ teaspoon of salt and 8 ounces of warm water.
• Consume soft foods such as applesauce, soup and yogurt. As the extraction site heals, you can begin eating solid foods.
• Try not to brush and floss around the site of the extraction.
• Follow whatever instructions your dentist gives you about painkillers.

While it’s normal to experience a little pain, swelling and bleeding after your procedure, you should contact your dentist in Rockledge if you notice any of the following issues:

• Fever, chills or other symptoms of infection
• Severe pain, swelling or bleeding after four hours have passed
• Redness, swelling or excessive discharge at the site of the extraction
• Nausea or vomiting
• Coughing, shortness of breath or chest pain

If you have uncontrolled bleeding, intense swelling, excessive pain, chills, fever, difficulty swallowing or redness, call your dentist in Rockledge immediately.

It will take several days for your mouth to fully heal from your procedure. Until this occurs, you will want to eat soft and cold foods. Avoid drinking from a straw, spitting or smoking after your procedure, as these activities can lead to the blood clot being pulled out of the socket.

You can expect your extraction site to heal within one to two weeks. After you have healed, you’ll be able to resume normal dental care activities.

The Extraction of the Wisdom Teeth

In the early adult years, the wisdom teeth often begin to emerge. This third set of molars is located at the back of the mouth, along the top and bottom of the gum line. While wisdom teeth are frequently removed as a preventive measure, it is often not necessary. Before undergoing the extraction of your wisdom teeth, you should consider the benefits, risks, overall costs and the impact that removing the teeth will have on your quality of life. Your dentist in Rockledge can advise you as to whether this is a good procedure for you to have done.

Some people never have their wisdom teeth grow in, and others have them grow in without any issues at all. A third group of people don’t have enough room in their mouths to contain a third set of molars. This leads to them becoming impacted or growing in crooked, which can cause dental health difficulties. In these cases, it is best that the teeth be extracted.

There are some dentists who recommend that your wisdom teeth be extracted even if they aren’t causing you any issues. This is because these dentists believe that it is best to prevent the possibility of issues stemming from the wisdom teeth being left in from occurring. Consult with your dentist and be sure to get a second opinion before making a final decision about what you should do about your wisdom teeth. You should always talk to an experienced and trusted dentist in Rockledge before deciding to undergo a tooth extraction.

The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests that tooth extractions be performed in cases of:

• Pain or discomfort
• Infection
• Damage to nearby tooth
• Tooth decay
• Development of gum disease
• Tumor or cyst development

Although you may not be experiencing any uncomfortable feelings from your wisdom teeth, they may still need to be extracted. Your dentist may decide to take out your wisdom teeth as a preventive measure because of:

• Potential for disease: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause infections, even if they aren’t causing you any other symptoms.
• Safety: Removing the wisdom teeth can prevent future complications from setting in.
• Age: Older adults who need to have their wisdom teeth extracted are at a higher risk of complications before, during and after the procedure. Taking them out at a younger age reduces the risk of complications significantly.

To learn more about the pros and cons of having your wisdom teeth removed, speak with your dentist in Rockledge.