Dental Extraction Guide

Talking with you is like pulling teeth: this idiom basically states that pulling teeth is an extremely discomforting experience. In some ways it is, but with foreknowledge, you can make tooth extractions less painful.

Here are just some reasons why you should undergo this procedure:

If tooth repair is no longer an option: It’s already cracked and decayed to the point of no return, then your dentist or orthodontist will recommend a tooth extraction

Misaligned or non functioning teeth. Examples of such are wisdom and impacted teeth.

Preparation for braces. In order to make proper space for new and aligned tooth to grow, an orthodontist may need to pull some teeth out.

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by: Christine Zafra

If you think pus can’t build inside your gums, it can. This only happens when you have cracked tooth, a tooth decay or periodontal disease that have not been treated for so long. This is a very painful thing for someone who has it. What dentists normally do is that they extract the tooth to prevent further infection, and after that, the dentist then drains the pus using a Jackson Pratt bulb. However, if you wish to delay the treatment, the infection might get swollen and puncture the bone of your tooth. It can lead to the soft tissues of your gums and may spread even further inside.

Once a tooth is removed, chances are, its neighboring teeth will shift and these alignment changes will have a major impact on one’s dental health (e.g. problems with chewing or jaw joint function). These significant changes in teeth alignment can also become great risks of tooth decay and gum disease.

Surgical extraction is done when: 1) The teeth needed to be removed are hard to reach; 2) Teeth have really curved roots, and; 3) There is severe damage caused by tooth decay. The gum and bone tissue around the tooth are cleared and the dentist separates the tooth in several pieces before extraction.

In such that your teeth are severely damaged and extracting all of them is the only possible solution to your problem, then you may want to use an immediate denture which is a denture that is put in your mouth after your extraction so that you can stop worrying about not having teeth in the coming weeks.

Avoid touching the extraction site. Keep your tongue away from the wound and place an ice pack to your jaw during the first 24 hours after the extraction. On the next day, gently rinse with warm salt water. Avoid too much spitting. Contact your dentist immediately if the infection gets worse.

by: Christine Zafra

If you had your molar extraction (or any tooth for that matter) 3 days ago, and still, the open wound is bleeding, go see your dentist right away. Your extraction might have had some complications or you either have diabetes or lack blood clotting minerals. If you have health related issues, then see your doctor as well and get meds to prevent further bleeding. Normally, it takes up to two days (48 hours) for the bleeding to stop, and it is normal if you see little spots of blood mixed with your saliva. Follow the doctor’s advice. You wouldn’t want to further the complication, do you?

by: Christine Zafra

After you have had your extraction, there are some instances that an infection might occur. Although it is occasional, but various reports have been made about it. We all know that the mouth is full of bacteria. Yes, even though you brush your teeth regularly, or even more than the average times people should brush their teeth, bacteria builds up inside every time you eat, breathe, or even talk (airborne bacteria). Sometimes, these bacteria get in the newly extracted place of the tooth and that’s when infection starts. Dentists usually prescribe antibiotics to cure the infection and kill the bacteria around and in the open wound.

Avoid rigorously cleaning the extraction site with your toothbrush or dental floss so that the wound can heal completely. Observe for any extreme pain or swelling and remember to contact your dentist once excessive bleeding or swelling occurs. Always practice proper oral hygiene to ensure that your extraction will be free from infection.

For the first 24 hours after the extraction, you should avoid spitting or rinsing too much since these may slow down blood clod formation. Avoid hot liquids such as hot coffee or soup in order to prevent blood clots from dissolving. Rest, if possible, and combat pain and swelling with pain medications.