A tooth extraction refers to a type of dental procedure in which a dentist removes a tooth from its socket. They tend to reserve this treatment for teeth that do not respond to more conservative restoration methods. Pulling a tooth is simpler than many people may guess.
Your dentist will prioritize your comfort during each step of the procedure. They will need to use special tools to loosen the tooth and remove it from the mouth fully. This will mean that you can expect some downtime directly following this treatment.
Your dentist will give you aftercare guidelines to ensure a healthy and comfortable recovery from this treatment. But you may feel more at ease and confident when you know details about what to expect. Discover responses from your dentist to frequently asked questions regarding the recovery process after a tooth extraction procedure when you read on.
Will I Be in Pain After a Tooth Extraction Procedure?
The leading reason many people may feel anxious about upcoming dental work is the anticipation of pain. You already know that your dentist will make efforts to minimize discomfort during a tooth extraction. But you might wonder if you can expect to feel pain when you recover from this treatment at home.
As the local anesthetic and dental sedation wear off, you might feel some soreness near the extraction site after this treatment. Your dentist may recommend that you take over-the-counter pain medicine to manage discomfort. You can also ice the area to reduce swelling and therefore potential pain.
Extreme levels of pain that do not respond to self-management efforts is abnormal. You should tell your dentist about this issue as soon as you can to resolve it.
Is There a Risk of Complications After a Tooth Extraction?
If you follow your dentist’s instructions after a tooth extraction, you can look forward to an easy recovery. However, sometimes a complication can occur if there is a disruption in the healing process.
You may notice a blood clot develop naturally at a healing surgical site, especially after the removal of wisdom teeth. This is normal, and you should take care not to disturb it or dislodge it from your mouth. If this happens, underlying nerves and bones can become exposed.
This results in a painful condition called dry socket. You will need urgent treatment from a dentist to fix this problem. So reduce the risk of it happening by being gentle around the healing sites.
Do I Need to Replace Extracted Teeth?
If you need an extraction due to overcrowding or impacted wisdom teeth, you will likely not need additional treatment from your dentist. However, if pulling a tooth leaves a gap in your smile, your dentist will recommend replacing the missing tooth with a prosthetic.
Missing teeth will impact your smile aesthetics and oral function and the condition can put you in danger of further dental issues. Your dentist can discuss dental implants and other ways to restore your smile for maximum dental benefits.