When your dentist advises that you need to tooth extraction in Baldivis, you may find yourself feeling a little apprehensive about the treatment. However, there’s good news – contemporary tooth removal procedures are quick, effective and not nearly as scary as you may think. If you have either badly decayed molars, fractured teeth or painful wisdom teeth, here’s everything you need to know about the process of getting them removed.
As dentists at the Baldivis Dental Clinic get asked the same few questions each week by their patients undergoing extraction, we’ve put together this guide for you on what to know about your tooth extraction experience.
Why Might You Need a Tooth Extraction in Baldivis?
A dentist would not extract a tooth without very good reason, since extraction is always done as a last resort when other options have already been tried. Some of the typical reasons why people might require a tooth extraction in Baldivis include:
- Tooth decay which is too far advanced to allow for repair
- Gum disease which has progressed to the point where the tooth is loose
- Wisdom teeth which are impacted and causing discomfort, infections, and crowding
- Teeth that are overcrowded and require extraction prior to orthodontic treatment
- Fracture or trauma due to accidents or injuries from contact sports
- Infections or abscesses which have not been cured by root canal treatment
If your dentist has suggested extraction, it’s because keeping the tooth would likely cause more pain, infection risk, or damage to surrounding teeth down the track.
What Happens Before a Tooth Extraction?
The Initial Consultation
Before the tooth removal procedure, your dentist will inspect the tooth and get an X-ray done to determine the tooth’s root position, density of the bone surrounding the tooth, and the proximity of the tooth to nerves and sinuses. It is important – your dentist will be able to choose the most effective procedure in each particular case and notice something that needs attention – a curving root or an impacted tooth, for instance.
Also, you will be asked about your health, medications, and allergies you have. The information provided is crucial since some blood-thinning medications, heart diseases or medications for osteoporosis may influence the treatment plan.
Discussing Anaesthesia and Sedation Options
Simple extraction requires only a local anaesthesia to numb the area without putting you to sleep at all. In case of a complicated situation like an impacted wisdom tooth, sedation options may be discussed. If you are afraid of going to the dentist, now is the best moment to say so – a compassionate dental team will consider your concerns.
Pre-Appointment Instructions
Based on the nature of your extraction, you may be instructed to:
- Have something to eat before coming to the appointment (unless your sedation requires you to fast)
- Abstain from alcohol for 24 hours prior to the appointment
- Ensure you have transport back home after your appointment (if you require sedation)
- Take any prescribed medication if necessary (unless instructed otherwise)
What Happens During the Extraction Procedure?
Knowing how your Baldivis tooth extraction actually takes place will help you dispel the mystery and eliminate any fears about the procedure.
Simple Extractions
If your dentist can see and access your tooth above the gums, he will use an instrument called an elevator to loosen it, then use forceps to extract it. You won’t feel any pain because the area is thoroughly numbed prior to the extraction procedure.
Surgical Extractions
In cases where the tooth isn’t completely erupted through the gums or it has fractured below the gum line, such as with wisdom teeth, surgery extraction will be necessary. Here, an incision is done on the gums to extract the tooth, which may be removed in pieces. Though it seems to be complicated, when done under anaesthetic, patients find it to be less uncomfortable.
What You’ll Feel (and What You Won’t)
During the extraction process, you won’t experience pain. All you’ll feel will be pressure and vibration along with the sounds of drilling. In case you start experiencing some level of discomfort, inform your dentist so that they can give you some more anaesthetic.
What Happens After a Tooth Extraction?
Recovery will be largely dependent on you, so it’s crucial that you stick to the advice your dentist gives to you to the letter.
The First 24 Hours
- Press a gauze pad against the wound for up to 30-45 minutes in order for a clot to form there
- Do not rinse, spit or drink through a straw because it can disturb the clot and lead to a painful complication called dry socket
- Apply an ice pack in short intervals to limit the swelling
- Eat soft and cool foods, such as yogurt, mashed potatoes or soup
- Do not smoke because it greatly limits the process of recovery
Day two to seven
Swelling and discomfort is to be expected and usually reaches its maximum on the second day. Over the counter painkillers, which should be prescribed by your dentist, will normally do the trick here. Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water starting from the second day will keep the area clean.
Signs You Should Contact Your Dentist
Although most healings are rather uneventful, you should get in touch with your dental office in case of:
- Pain getting worse from the third day
- Bleeding more than a day after the surgery
- Continuing fever and swelling
- Unpleasant smell indicating infection
Long-Term Healing
The full healing of the bone and gums where the tooth was removed may take a number of weeks up to months although the surface healing is likely to be completed in one to two weeks. In case the tooth was visible while smiling or biting, your dentist will offer some solutions, for example a dental implant or a bridge.
How Long Does Recovery Really Take?
Most people can go back to their usual daily activities within one to three days following a basic extraction, but any physical activity should be avoided for up to a week. When it comes to surgical tooth extractions, such as those of the wisdom teeth, some additional time may be required. The healing process varies from person to person.
Tips to Make Your Recovery Smoother
- Plan your food ahead of time as soft foods are preferred
- Try to stay at home and take the day off if possible, especially when it comes to surgical extractions
- Sleep with your head elevated to avoid swelling
- Do not use your tongue to poke the extraction site
Final Thoughts
Having your teeth extracted in Baldivis should not be scary at all. With proper preparations before hand, a professional and smooth handling during the process, and thorough after care when you get back home, it is likely that your experience will go much smoother than anticipated. Should you be experiencing any tooth pain, swelling or if your dentist has recommended the possibility of extraction, do not delay in having it looked at. Schedule an appointment and we can help guide you through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tooth extraction a painful procedure?
No, because local anaesthesia makes the area numb, so you will only feel pressure during the procedure. You may experience some discomfort in the next couple of days, however; this condition can be easily controlled through appropriate pain management techniques and care instructions.
How expensive is tooth extraction in Baldivis?
Tooth extractions have different prices according to their complexity and whether sedation is necessary. A consultation allows your dentist to estimate the cost based on the specific circumstances of each case.
Can I resume my normal diet right after the procedure?
No, at least for the first one or two days after your tooth extraction. Try to consume only soft and cool foods which require no intensive chewing.
What is dry socket?
Dry socket is a situation in which the protective blood clot dissolves prematurely, thus causing bone exposure and nerve irritation. Avoiding the use of straws, smoking, and mouth rinsing during the first 24 hours after the procedure can help prevent dry socket.