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Tooth extraction is often associated with wisdom tooth removal. However, there are many other reasons why you need a tooth extracted. For instance, you may have a tooth infection, decay, or crowding. If you’re getting this service, you must familiarize yourself with what a tooth extraction procedure entails.
Before the Procedure
You have to consult your dentist and undergo some tests to prepare for your extraction.
If you have not yet had an X-ray, your dentist may recommend you get one. An X-ray may provide your dentist with the necessary details of your current condition. It can also let you know what immediate steps need to be taken to ensure a medical emergency doesn’t occur.
After this, a consultation with your dentist may follow. Inform your dentist if you are taking any ongoing medications like supplements, vitamins, and other over-the-counter drugs. Be sure to inform your dentist if you have any of the following conditions:
● Diabetes
● Congenital heart disease
● Thyroid disease
● Hypertension
● Liver disease
● Damaged heart valves
● Renal disease
● History of bacterial endocarditis
If you have any of the conditions above, your dentist may make adjustments to ensure that the procedure will not cause complications. They may prescribe antibiotics or ask you to modify medications prior to the operation if:
● You have an existing medical condition
● You have a weakened immune system
● You have an infection
● Your surgery will last longer than the standard time
During the Tooth Extraction
Anesthesia
The type of anesthesia you’ll receive will depend on the complexity of the tooth extraction and your comfort level.
Your doctor may administer one or more injections of local anesthesia near the extraction site. You’ll be awake during the whole process and may feel movement and pressure, but you won’t feel any pain. With general anesthesia, you will be unconscious for the duration of the procedure.
You may also opt for IV sedation. Depending on the level of sedation, you may either be drowsy or fall into a light sleep. You may or may not have memories of the procedure, whether or not you are conscious. Sedation anesthesia may be combined with local anesthesia in some cases.
Sedation dentistry has various benefits and is generally safer than local or general anesthesia.
Extraction
Your dentist or oral surgeon will create an incision to start the extraction process. This incision exposes both the bone and tooth. In some instances, they might need to remove the bone near the tooth. They may also cut the tooth into pieces in order to make it easier to remove.
Once the tooth is extracted, your dentist may clean the surgical area of any debris from the tooth or surrounding bone or tissue. In some cases, you may need stitches. Your dentist will place a gauze over the extraction area to help the blood clot form and control the bleeding.
After the Procedure
If you received local anesthesia, your providers will ask you to rest for 30 minutes to an hour. However, you may have to be taken to a recovery room if you’ve been sedated. Recovery from a tooth extraction typically takes a few days. However, it will also depend on how well you follow your dentist’s instructions.
● Bite firmly yet gently on the gauze placed on the extraction site to promote a blood clot formation. Make sure to change the piece of gauze if it is soaked.
● Immediately apply an ice bag to the affected area after the procedure. Administer it every hour for 10 minutes at a time.
● Take the prescribed painkillers.
● Limit your physical activity until your doctor clears you.
● Rinse your mouth with a mixture of 8 ounces of warm water and a half teaspoon of salt every day after your procedure.
● Avoid smoking, alcohol intake, and drinking from a straw for the first few days.
● Eat soft foods such as yogurt, pudding, or soup on your first day post-procedure. Gradually add bits of solid foods to your meal during the healing process.
Tooth Extraction in Eugene, OR
Tooth extraction may sound intimidating, especially if you’ll undergo the procedure for the first time. However, the process has been refined over many years. Your dentist will have your safety and comfort in mind at every step of the procedure.
360 Dental is the top dental practice in Eugene, Oregon. In addition to our cutting edge technology and reliable dental care team, we provide a caring and compassionate environment for our patients. Our spectrum of services is here to give you a life full of confidence and bright smiles.
To schedule your consultation or for any questions, you may call us at (541) 689-1645 or book an appointment online. We look forward to serving you!
