Getting a tooth pulled out of its socket is something that no one looks forward to. The experience is never pleasant nor worth remembering. When an Emergency Dentist says that the tooth needs to be extracted the words sound terrifying to many ears. Before going for a tooth extraction it is better to get prepared and know what you should expect during the procedure. In the following sections of the blog post let us explore how a tooth extraction is done. As a patient this prepares you for the scary experience to some extent or the other.
When you have an idea about what happens in pulling out a tooth from its socket it becomes little easier for you to stay calm and relaxed throughout the procedure. The prior knowledge about the procedure makes your overall experience more comfortable and little less daunting. Once the tooth is pulled out, it is important to ensure the extraction site heals fast and smoothly. When you are calm and positive even the healing becomes faster and easier. It is a good idea to clear out all your doubts and anxieties with your dentist before undergoing the invasive dental procedure. So ask your dentist as many questions as you want to get clarity. Getting rid of the fear of the unknown is the best way to lower anxiety levels and stay calm.
Things one should expect while undergoing a tooth extraction procedure
Getting a tooth extracted is often an uncomfortable experience. In order to lessen the discomfort the area around the tooth which is to be pulled out is numbed. In fact numbing the area is usually the first step to any tooth removal procedure. The area is numbed by administering an anaesthetic agent locally. Once the effect of anaesthesia sets in a dentist begins the actual procedure of extracting the tooth. Thanks to the effect of the anaesthesia there is hardly any pain involved in the procedure although you will feel some pressure.
At any point of time during the procedure if you feel pain then you must tell that to your dentist. In those circumstances the dental team is likely to inject a little more local anaesthesia in the appropriate region to make you feel more comfortable.
In the next step the dentist pulls the tooth out from its socket in your jaw. For this the expert requires certain tools like extraction forceps and elevators, explains a busy emergency dentist in London. If a surgical extraction is required then dentists make a tiny incision in the gum. This incision enables easy access to the tooth to be extracted.
The basics of modern orthodontics explained for starters
The time required and the level of challenge involved in extracting a tooth depends upon the location of the tooth that is to be removed. Wisdom tooth removal takes a longer time. Even removing a firm but decayed tooth is time consuming. Both these types of tooth extraction involve a lot of time and complexity compared to removing loosened tooth. In some cases removing bone is also necessary to gain proper access to a tooth for its removal. Bone removal in these cases is done using dental drills.
Once the tooth is removed from its socket it is the dentist’s responsibility to check whether any fragment of it is left inside. Then it is time to put some stitches to help the wound heal up faster. Lastly the stitches are packed with medicate gauze explains one of the best emergency dentists in London. Once the practical procedure is over, the dentist shares a set of instructions with the patient. It is so important to follow these instructions. Proper healing of the wound caused by tooth extraction is only possible when a patient adheres to those instructions.
Dentists also prescribe some antibiotic medicines and painkillers. These medicines help deal with the pain that usually occurs in the post extraction stage. Antibiotics help preventing any infection that may occur at the site of extraction. Once the anaesthesia starts wearing off a patient is likely to experience some level of discomfort. In order to make things easier for you or any other patient, dentists prescribe non steroidal anti inflammatory medicines. As a result of those medications the pain and discomfort vanish dramatically from the treatment site within 48 to 72 hours following the procedure.
5 Steps to Prepare for Your Dental Check Up
Wounds that occur as a result of tooth extraction get healed by formation of blood clotting. These blood clots occur over the empty socket of the extracted tooth. It is crucial to take care of these blood clots. Care should be taken so that these blood clots do not get dislodged under any circumstance. In case the blood clots get dislodged it can lead to a condition which is called dry socket. The dry socket condition is quite painful and tormenting.
Aftercare tips following a tooth extraction
The aftercare tips following extraction of a tooth can be broadly separated in two categories – do’s and don’ts.
First let us go through the things that you should do or follow.
- You must follow the instructions with care.
- Let the gauze be in its position for at least three quarters of an hour. This is the best way to ensure that the bleeding is controlled.
It is important to note that if the bleeding continues in substantial quantity, then you must report the matter to Emergency Dentist London immediately.
- Live in a diet of soft foods. Eat foods that are little colder than the room temperature. Ice cream is a great option in this stage to help development of clots at the site of extraction.
- Take your medicines as prescribed. Brush gently and avoid disturbing the area for following few days.
- It is a good idea to apply cold compression to the treatment area from outside. This takes care of pain, swelling, inflammation and every other discomfort associated with tooth extraction. Apply compression for about 15 to 20 minutes at a stretch. Then give it a break for another 15 to 20 minutes. Continue with this on and off for three to four times in a set.
- Try to rest and relax as much as possible at this stage.
Things to avoid
- According to tooth extraction specialists at Emergency Dentist London Pro you should not smoke or drink alcohol at least for the first 24 hours following the extraction.
- Avoid hot foods and drinks as that may dislodge the blood clots.
- Avoid hot compression on the treatment area at all cost.
- Do not spit or gargle.
- Avoid blowing the nose.
