What is a tooth extraction?
It is an oral surgery procedure that is responsible for removing a tooth or a portion of it from the bone called the alveolus (bone cavity where the roots of the teeth are housed). Before going more into the weblog i have to tell you that if you are looking for a general dentistry Stevensville MD this website can help you a lot.
Cases in which a tooth is removed
The following are some of the reasons teeth can be pulled out
- Teeth are extracted when parts with cavities and the cavities are very extensive.
- When cavities are in the roots of the teeth.
- For fracture of the crown caused by caries.
- By fracture of the crown, or of the root due to an accident,
- When there are remains of teeth in the oral cavity.
- When extensive cavities formed, under a bridge or crown, which was not constantly checked.
- Cases of loose teeth.
How should you prepare for the day of the tooth or molar extraction?
- Have a regular breakfast or lunch, depending on your appointment time.
- If you suffer from any illness, take your medications as directed by your doctor.
- If in a previous appointment, you have agreed with the dentist or doctor to take any medication, you should do so as indicated by them.
- Take care of your daily dental hygiene, using the brush and dental floss.
- Stay calm and relax while you wait for your procedure.
- If you are in poor health, notify the dentist, so that he can decide whether or not to perform the tooth extraction. .
- On the day of the extraction, you can place ice packs in the area of the cheek, where the extraction will be done, as they can help reduce inflammation.
- It is advisable to do it for 5 minutes, then resting for 15 minutes. Do this successively for 2 hours.
What is the procedure to follow in a dental extraction?
Generally, the oral cavity is disinfected with an oral disinfectant.
- As a second step, the dental anesthetic is placed, then the dentist gives a reasonable amount of time for the area to become numb.
- Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the extraction is carried out. It is important to clarify that you can perceive some moderate force exerted by the dentist, which is sometimes necessary for removal,
- The affected part is removed.
- Sometimes it is necessary to divide the tooth in order to remove it.
- After removal, the cavity is irrigated with a disinfectant according to the dentist's decision or a gel is left that favors coagulation or helps to heal the area.
- The extraction area is then sutured, if necessary.
Post-extraction care
Any surgical intervention requires postoperative care within which we mention the following:
- After the extraction, it is normal for there to be some discomfort in the area, the dentist will indicate medications to reduce pain and inflammation as he deems appropriate.
- The dentist will place a sterile gauze on you that will need to be bitten or pressed to prevent bleeding and to help the clot form. .
- You will notice a slight amount of bloody fluid, which is blood with saliva, but you should not spit as a clot is forming in these minutes.
- You must keep the area very clean to avoid infection. Use a soft brush and a disinfectant as directed by your dentist.
- You must chew on the opposite side to extraction.
- Do not smoke, tobacco negatively influences wound healing and can lead to infection.
- Eat a liquid or very soft diet for the first few hours after surgery.
- Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages during recovery.
- Avoid consuming foods that irritate the surgery area, such as very hot, spicy, acidic or very salty foods.
- Avoid drinking liquids through a straw, as the pressure could push the clot out of position.
- Rest, do not do tasks that require effort that can damage the clot and cause bleeding.
- The next day after surgery, you will see a whitish layer, this is part of the healing process and it is not painful, but some patients are scared and think that it is an infectious process.