Tooth extractions are dental procedures that involve the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone.Men tend to be more likely to have a tooth extraction, according to the National Institute of Health. They accounted for 71% (394) of the 554 teeth that were taken out. If you’re going to be one of those people, you need to know some things in advance.
Reasons You Might Need Them
There may be a variety of reasons for the extraction, including severe decay, infection, overcrowding, or trauma. You might have a wisdom tooth coming in or you might have a damaged tooth. Either way, it’s going to have to come out.
Preparing
Provided that this isn’t an emergency situation, you should dress comfortably. Make sure that you have a ride home – you won’t be able to do it yourself. Your dentist will numb the area and maybe even give you a sedative – that’s the main reason why you won’t be able to drive home.
Depending on the complexity of the extraction, sedation options may be available. After the extraction, proper post-operative care, such as avoiding strenuous activities and following instructions for pain management and oral hygiene, is crucial for a smooth recovery. The extraction may go a couple of different ways, depending on the state of the tooth. They may be able to take it out in one piece or they may have to do it in pieces.
What To Do Afterwards
The main thing that you will need to do is rest. A tooth extraction can be hard on you. Be sure to put ice on the area to keep any swelling down. You can take over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, and any antibiotics that your dentist prescribes.
You will also need to keep the area clean by swishing with an antimicrobial mouthwash up to three times a day. Don’t drink from a straw or smoke. Doing either could dislodge a blood clot. Don’t brush the extraction site but brush and floss other areas of your mouth as normal.
Don’t do any strenuous activity for at least two days, though you might want to wait a bit longer. Your dentist will tell you when you can get back into your regular routine.
As far as eating goes, you should only eat soft foods for the first few days. Get foods like yogurt, pasta, rice, and applesauce. Then you can gradually get back into regular food. It’s important to consult with a dentist to determine if a tooth extraction is necessary and to address any concerns you may have.