Tooth Extractions May Be Required for Several Reasons
Wisdom teeth are not the only reason why adults need to undergo the process of tooth extraction. Although it is common with teenagers and some adults it isn’t the only reason why teeth need to be extracted.
Tooth extraction may be required if an individual is affected by excessive tooth decay, infection, and overcrowding. Patients looking to improve their appearance by straightening their teeth with braces may also need to have extracted a couple of teeth to make room for their other teeth to move into position.
Contrary to the popular belief that dentists will be attacking the mouth with hammers and clippers tooth extractions are performed by qualified individuals in a relatively quick outpatient procedure. The patient is unlikely to feel any pain because local, general, or intravenous anesthesia would be administered. Extracting a visible tooth is a simple procedure while teeth that are broken or impacted and below the surface will be difficult to remove.
Preparing for Tooth Extraction
An x-ray of your tooth will be taken by the dentist in tooth extraction at Katy, TX, before scheduling the procedure. At this time, you must provide the dentist with all the information about medications, vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you using. Give the dentist with any information you feel is essential before the procedure. Give your dentist information about any medical conditions such as the following:
- Thyroid disease.
- Liver disease.
- Renal disease.
- Hypertension.
- Damaged heart valves.
- History of bacterial endocarditis.
- An impaired immune system.
The dentist will want to ensure the conditions described are stable or treated before performing the tooth extraction. Antibiotics may be prescribed to you if the procedure is expected to last long, you have a weakened immune system or a specific medical condition.
Helpful Tips Before the Procedure
You must keep the following tips in mind for the day of the tooth extraction procedure to ensure quality treatment.
- If you are scheduled to receive intravenous anesthesia wear loose-fitting clothing or a short-sleeved shirt and do not eat or drink anything for at least eight hours before your appointment. The same goes for smoking as well.
- If you have a cold overnight inform the dentist conducting the procedure because it may be rescheduled.
- If you have suffered from nausea or vomiting the night before keep your dentist informed because you may need different anesthesia or the procedure may be rescheduled.
- Have someone accompany you for driving you back home if you are receiving general anesthesia.
The Procedure for Tooth Extraction
The condition of the tooth to be extracted will determine whether you will require a simple or surgical extraction. The dental surgeon conducting the procedure at tooth extraction in Katy, TX, will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area before using an elevator and forceps to remove the tooth in a simple extraction.
You will likely receive local anesthesia in addition to intravenous anesthesia to make you calm and relaxed during a surgical extraction. If you have any specific medical conditions general anesthesia may be administered leaving your unconscious during the procedure. The oral surgeon will make a small incision in your gum to remove the bone around the tooth or cut it before being extracted.
The Recovery Process
Some days will be required to recover after tooth extraction. You can ensure the recovery progresses smoothly by using the following tips:
- Use an ice pack on your cheek after the procedure to keep the swelling down. Continue using it for approximately 10 minutes every time.
- Bite down on the gauze placed by the dentist on the affected area to reduce bleeding and to help form a clot. Leave it in place for 3 to 4 hours or until the gauze is soaked in blood.
- Ingest any medications prescribed including over-the-counter medications as suggested by the dentist.
- For the first 24 hours, it is suggested that you relax without jumping into your regular activities until the following day. Relaxing does not mean you can begin smoking so stay away from the pack for some time.
- Don’t forget your oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing as normal but avoiding the affected area.
- Have soft foods for the initial few days after which you can introduce your regular foods into your diet.
The recovery will take a few days and in the meanwhile, if you experience any problems you should be contacting your dentist right away for advice.