Your Guide to Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction sounds scary, but with the right tips and tricks, you’ll know everything needed for before, during, and after your appointment.

To start, what is tooth extraction?

Put simply, it refers to the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Thanks to anesthesia and an experienced dentist, it’s a fairly painless process. Even so, it may be necessary for several reasons, including tooth decay, infection, injury, or overcrowding.

Prior to your appointment, it may be helpful to know what to expect. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

No matter the procedure or purpose for your appointment, your comfort and safety are a top priority at Maitland Ave Smile Co. Your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. If needed, they can also provide laughing gas or light sedation to help you relax.
The length of your extraction will depend on the location of your tooth as well as other unique factors. The procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour — or even more.
After the tooth is removed, you’ll bite down on a piece of gauze to stop the bleeding.
Common symptoms after extraction include swelling and discomfort. You can use an ice pack on your cheek or medication to treat the pain.
For the first 24 hours after surgery, you’ll be limited to soft foods and liquids — so be sure to stock up! It’s also necessary to avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods for the first few days, as they may irritate the extraction site.
Lastly, remember that your dentist will carefully go over your case and share all treatment options prior to the extraction. Come prepared with any questions or concerns.

For a speedy recovery, it’s important to take care of yourself following a tooth extraction.

Here are three tips to consider:

First, it’s important to follow the post-operative instructions from your dentist. Be sure to take any medications as directed, as this will help improve your post-surgery pain and healing process.
You should avoid using straws, smoking, or doing anything else that involves sucking or blowing air. This action may dislodge the blood clot that forms in the extraction, leading to a painful condition called dry socket.
To keep the area clean and help with healing, you may rinse your mouth with warm salt water.

It’s helpful to know about potential complications following an extraction, as prompt attention from your dentist can make a big difference! Note that the symptoms below are not normal and require professional follow-up:

Serious pain that does not dissipate with medication
Excessive bleeding and/or swelling
Numbness in your tongue, lips, or jaw
Signs of infection in your body, including fever, chills, or pus at the extraction site

We hope you’ll consider Maitland Ave Smile Co. for all your dental needs!

Call us at 407.834.0330 to schedule your appointment today! Check out our Dental Blog to learn more about topics like restorative dentistry, dental anxiety, and more.