TOOTH EXTRACTION HEALING INFORMATION
If your tooth is broken or decayed, your dentist will do their best to save it. If your tooth has been damaged to a point that is beyond repair, you may need a tooth extraction. Your dentist also may decide to extract your wisdom teeth once they start coming in. Whatever the case may be, if you suspect that a tooth or teeth may need to be extracted, it’s helpful to understand what an extraction is, what the procedure is like, and what to expect during the healing process.
What Is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is a procedure in which a dentist removes a tooth or teeth. This may or may not involve surgery, depending on different factors. Some reasons that a patient may need an extraction include:
- Tooth Decay
- Bone Loss
- A Crack in a Tooth
- Potential Damage to Adjacent Healthy Teeth
For most situations, your dentist will do everything they can to save your healthy tooth or teeth. If they are beyond predictable repair, you may need to undergo a tooth extraction.
What Is the Procedure Like?
The tooth extraction procedure will vary depending on the reason for the extraction, and whether or not surgery is needed. For more routine extractions, the dentist will simply numb the area and pull the affected tooth or teeth. Wisdom teeth removal is a much more in-depth procedure that often includes the use of anesthesia and surgery to help remove the impacted teeth.
What Is the Healing Process Like?
Whether you simply need a tooth pulled or you need to undergo surgery, there will be a healing process after the procedure is completed. During this time, it is extremely important to listen to the advice of your dentist and follow their post operative care instructions. If you do not allow your gums to properly heal, you risk infection and other oral health issues.
The healing of the bone and hard tissue after a tooth has been removed may take as long as 6-8 months. It is extremely important to have a bone graft performed if there is bone loss and you would like to have the tooth replaced using an implant.
Make sure to wait at least 72 hours after a procedure before you smoke. You may need to wait even longer, depending on the severity of the procedure. It is extremely important not to smoke, as smoking can interfere with the formation of blood clots, and can lead to dry sockets. If you are a smoker, speak with your dentist about how long you should go without smoking.
If you are having wisdom teeth removed, or if the procedure will be particularly complicated, your dentist may use moderate sedation. If this is the case, you’ll want to make sure to take the day off from work. You will also need to arrange a ride home, as you will not be able to drive.
Speak with your dentist if you have any questions about your particular tooth extraction procedure, and the healing process after the procedure has been completed.
If you're interested in talking more about tooth extraction in Mobile, please contact West Mobile Dental Care today.
Interested in learning more about tooth extraction in general? Here's some more reading on costs associated with tooth extraction.