I Need A Tooth Extracted. Now What?
The start of a new year is the perfect opportunity to evaluate your oral health and move forward in a positive direction. If during your last examination you were warned about severe decay in a tooth, ignored the treatment plan, and then proceeded to overindulge in sweet treats over the past holiday season, not being very diligent about brushing and cleaning the tooth, there is a good chance that you might need that tooth extracted. A dental extraction is the process of completely removing a tooth from the mouth.
Even though permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime, there are unfortunate circumstances which make an extraction necessary. A tooth extraction can be needed for many reasons including:
- Overcrowded teeth, which is commonly seen by older children and teenagers prior to starting orthodontic treatment
- Severe infection that cannot be treated by a root canal
- Teeth loosened due to extreme gum disease and cannot be saved
- Tooth damaged or decayed beyond repair due to an accident or neglect
The preparation for a tooth extraction is more nerve-wracking than the procedure itself, due to the uncertainty of the steps and recovery of the procedure. During the actual procedure, we administer anesthesia so there is no discomfort during treatment. The numbness will last for the entire procedure and many hours afterwards to provide additional relief. Following the extraction, there may be a small stitch or two to help with bleeding.
Our goal is to safely extract the tooth with the hope of regaining the function and health of the mouth as soon as possible. It is important to be mindful of your actions following the extraction, as you don’t want to cause any unnecessary complications. We recommend:
- Resting for 24 hours following the procedure and limiting activity for the next few days
- Avoid eating on the impacted side of the mouth
- Eat soft or liquid foods, such as soup, yogurt, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, Jell-o, and pudding, being sure to avoid hard, crunchy, and chewy foods
- Avoid any sucking motion through a straw or smoking
- Continue brushing and cleaning your teeth, being sure to avoid the gums around the extraction area
To avoid tooth extractions, it is important to remain diligent with your dental hygiene visits. If you have not recently been to see us for a hygiene visit and dental exam, please contact our office located in Burton, MI to schedule your next appointment. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to help you with anything you need!
