When it comes to extracting a tooth, most of us feel a little scared and nervous, right? But sometimes, to protect the health of our teeth, extracting a tooth is the best thing to do. Think about it, how much better it is to get relief by removing it than to suffer with a badly decayed, painful tooth. So why do you have to extract a tooth? What should you do after extracting it? Today, we will talk about all of this in a very simple way that you can understand.
Why do you need to extract a tooth?
Dentists always try to save your natural teeth for as long as possible. However, there are times when treatments like fillings cannot save a tooth. That's when a tooth needs to be extracted.
Here are some such cases:
- If a tooth is cracked or broken: Even if it was due to an accident, if a tooth is broken beyond repair, it will have to be extracted.
- If advanced gum disease has progressed: Gum disease causes the bone around the tooth to dissolve, and when the tooth starts to move, it can no longer be held in place.
- Impacted Tooth: If a tooth, especially a wisdom tooth, is stuck in the gum and cannot be completely removed, it can cause pain and infection. In such cases, the tooth will be removed.
- Crowded Teeth: If your teeth are crowded together and there is not enough space in your mouth, some teeth may need to be removed to make room for treatments (like braces) to straighten your teeth.
- If the tooth is severely decayed (Severe Tooth Decay): If a cavity has developed, it has reached the root of the tooth, is infected, and the tooth is so decayed that even a filling cannot save it, the best solution is to extract it.
How do you prepare before having a tooth extracted?
After you have a tooth extraction, your doctor will give you some instructions. The most important thing is to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and supplements). You may be asked to stop taking some of these medications a few days before surgery.
If you're also afraid of the doctor's chair, that's normal. Don't be shy about it and talk to your doctor. There are sedation techniques they use to put you at ease and reduce your fear. So don't be afraid to talk about it and choose what's best for you.
What really happens when a tooth is extracted?
Although many people are afraid, this is not as bad as you think. Now that technology has advanced, most of the time you won't feel any pain. Let's take a step-by-step look at what usually happens.
1. Numbness: First, your doctor will inject a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding gums. This will prevent you from feeling any pain. If you have chosen sedation, you will also be given that medication at this time.
2. Tooth extraction: Next, using special instruments, the doctor will carefully loosen your tooth a little and remove it from its socket. If the tooth is badly broken and has reached the gum line, a small incision may be made to extract the tooth, or the tooth may need to be broken into pieces and removed.
3. Cleaning: After the tooth is extracted, the empty cavity is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
4. Bone Graft - (Not necessary for everyone): Sometimes, the doctor may place a bone graft in the empty space. This will help prevent future loss of jawbone in that area.
5. Suturing: Finally, a couple of dissolvable stitches are placed only if necessary. Stitches are not always necessary.
It usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes to extract a single tooth. If you are extracting multiple teeth, it can take longer.
What usually happens after a tooth is pulled?
It's normal to experience some discomfort for the first few days after a tooth extraction. Don't worry about it.
| Side effect | Things to know about it |
|---|---|
| Bleeding | It is normal to bleed a little at night on the first day. Place a piece of gauze on the area and gently rub it for about 15 minutes. Repeat if necessary. |
| Bruising/blueing | It may appear as a small bruise on the gum or the back of the jaw. It will go away in a few days. |
| Pain/discomfort | The pain usually peaks on the third day . So rest well for the first three days. Take the painkillers prescribed by the doctor on time. |
| Swelling | It's normal for the gums around the tooth to swell. The outside of the jaw may also swell. To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack for 20 minutes, remove for 20 minutes, and then apply it again. |
These discomforts disappear almost completely after about a week.
How long does it take to recover?
The healing time after a tooth extraction varies from person to person. But most people can return to normal in two to three days. You should be able to go to the office or school in a day or two. However, if you do heavy lifting or strenuous work, it is best to take a few extra days of rest.
It's normal for the area to look a little strange after a tooth has been extracted. Don't worry about it. But if you notice anything like a fever or pus, definitely talk to your doctor.
It can take several weeks or months for the jawbone to fully heal after a tooth has been extracted. If you are planning to have a dental implant placed in that area, you will need to wait several months for the hole to fully heal.
Do's and don'ts to get well quickly
To get well soon, it's very important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly. Here are those instructions in simple terms.
| 👍 Things to do (Do's) | 👎 Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Eat bland foods: Eat bland foods that are easy to chew, like rice, pasta, eggs, yogurt, and applesauce. | Avoid exercise and heavy lifting: Avoid strenuous activities for the first 2-3 days. If your heart rate increases, bleeding and pain may increase. |
| Keep the wound clean: Rinse your mouth two to three times a day with a mouthwash prescribed by your doctor. Do not let your toothbrush brush directly over the wound. | Don't pick at the wound with your tongue: Don't tap or rub the area with your tongue. That will delay healing. |
| Take your medication correctly: Take the antibiotics and painkillers prescribed by your doctor exactly at the right time. | Avoid smoking: Smoking or vaping constricts blood vessels, reducing the amount of blood flowing to the wound. This can greatly delay healing. |
| Get plenty of rest: Resting for the first few days will help you recover quickly. | Avoid drinking through straws: Never drink anything through a straw. The pressure of the suction can dislodge the protective blood clot that has formed over the wound, causing a painful condition called a 'dry socket' . |
What is a Dry Socket?
Simply put, the blood clot that forms at the site of the tooth extraction protects the bone and nerves in that area. If for some reason that blood clot breaks loose, the bone and nerves are exposed. This can cause severe pain. That's why it's important to avoid the 'don'ts' mentioned above.
When do you need to talk to the doctor?
If you experience any of these symptoms after having a tooth extracted, don't ignore it and call your doctor immediately.
- If you have a fever of 38 Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit) or higher.
- If a pus-like fluid comes out of the tooth extraction site.
- If you have severe, unbearable pain that does not subside even after taking medication.
Having a tooth pulled is never a pleasant experience. But sometimes, it can be the best solution to eliminate infection and maintain your oral health in the long term. If you have to have a tooth pulled, don't forget to talk to your doctor about the options for replacing it (implants, bridges, dentures).
Take-Home Message
- A tooth extraction is a last resort to protect your oral health, so don't be unnecessarily afraid of it.
- Follow your doctor's instructions exactly after your tooth is extracted. This is especially important to avoid complications like 'Dry Socket'.
- The first 2-3 days are the most important time for recovery. During those days, get plenty of rest, eat light meals, and avoid strenuous activities.
- If you have symptoms such as unbearable pain, fever, or pus coming from the wound, notify your doctor immediately.
- Talk to your doctor about replacing the extracted tooth with a replacement and choose the solution that best suits you.
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