Depending on how well we take care of them, our teeth can last us a lifetime. When it comes to minor tooth decay, at Prince Dental Group, we stress the importance of restoring your teeth as soon as possible, which is why we will talk about tooth extractions and recovery options. If decay progresses and eventually becomes severe, there might be grounds for a possible tooth extraction. Although decay is a common reason for tooth extraction, it isn’t the only one. Other reasons would include:
- Removing one or more teeth from an overcrowded mouth in preparation for orthodontic treatment
- If there is a risk of infection or a severe infection has already occurred
- Wisdom tooth extraction
- Tooth has experienced trauma such as a tough break, and natural tooth restoration is impossible
In most cases, when there is a need for a tooth to be extracted, there is always a tooth restoration available to you here at our Midway, Utah dental office.
Tooth Extractions and Recovery Process Post-Extraction
Tooth Extraction Basics
Oral surgeons and general dentists are authorized to perform tooth extractions in their offices. Upon receiving the recommendation for extraction by Dr. Prince, he will decide on a treatment plan and time of extraction.
When it comes time for your tooth extraction, a couple of our team members will help prepare you and your mouth for the procedure. For lengthy procedures such as wisdom tooth extractions, we administer local anesthesia and a deep form of sedation such as IV sedation. Local anesthesia will be allocated for regular extractions to ensure no pain during the procedure. Patients will feel some pressure but no sharp pains. Understanding that patients may have anxiety surrounding tooth extractions, we offer minor sedation to help you feel more calm and comfortable in our dental chair.
The tooth extraction procedure will take between 20-40 minutes, depending on the type of extraction and the placement of your tooth. Once your tooth and surrounding areas have been completely numbed, the extraction will begin with an elevator tool to separate the gums from the tooth. Detaching the gums from the tooth will allow for more mobility, therefore a smoother extraction. From there, your dentist will use forceps to move your tooth back and forth until it is loose enough to remove. Once the tooth is removed, your dentist will add sutures if necessary. This procedure is done under anesthesia, so you will need someone to drive you home.
What Should I do After a Tooth Extraction?
Immediately after your procedure, a clot will begin to form where your extraction was. It is essential to avoid dislodging the clot. A few ways to prevent dislodging the cloth are avoiding rinsing your mouth vigorously after the procedure and not using a straw. We also recommend that patients hold firm pressure on the area for 45 minutes after the process to help the clot form. Many patients find it beneficial to eat a soft diet 24 hours following the procedure. Lastly, we may recommend antibiotics and pain medicine following a tooth extraction.
A day after your procedure, you should begin brushing and flossing your teeth as usual. You can now start rinsing your mouth gently with saltwater. Lastly, if you notice swelling or have pain in your tooth, place an ice pack on your cheek to reduce swelling and pain. You can expect it to take between 3-4 weeks for an extraction to heal.
When Can I go back to Work or School After a Tooth Extraction?
Typically, we ask patients to take the day off during their extraction to relax from the procedure and wait for the anesthesia to wear off. Time off of work is also recommended because it allows the clot to form where the tooth was extracted — an essential piece of recovery. You will need to request off from work or school depending on the size of the tooth extracted and its placement. You may be asked to recover between 2-3 days, depending on the extent of your surgery.
Tooth extraction can be an extensive surgery depending on the tooth extracted. Our patients must understand the procedure along with recovery tasks and time. For more information about tooth extractions and recovery or to schedule an appointment, call our office today.
