The idea of having a tooth pulled can be frightening for some people, but tooth extraction is actually a fairly common dental procedure which can leave you with a healthier mouth in the long run.
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Reasons why you might need a tooth extraction
There are a number of reasons why your dentist might recommend an extraction including trauma, alleviation of crowding, to make room for dentures or because of periodontal disease. The most common reason however is severe dental decay or cavities.
When a cavity is large enough, the tooth can become weak and eventually crack or break. Often, you dentist will be able to save the tooth with a root canal and crown, however when the problem is too severe he or she may recommend a tooth extraction.
What to expect when you have a tooth pulled
Depending on the condition of your tooth, your dentist may recommend that you take an antibiotic prior to the procedure. In this case, he or she will write you a prescription that you should pick up before the day of your tooth extraction and take as recommended.
During the procedure itself, your dentist will numb the surrounding area so that you will not feel any pain. Using forceps, the dentist will loosen the tooth by gently rocking it back and forth until it is loose enough to pull out. In the case of an impacted wisdom tooth, they will also have to remove some of the surrounding gum tissue.
Oftentimes the dentist will finish the procedure by using self-dissolving stitches to close the gum and sometime they will perform a bone graft. A bone graft is usually only done when they are planning for a dental implant, denture or partial denture.
Recovery after a tooth extraction
Recovering from a tooth extraction usually takes no more than a few days but it is still important to take the proper precautions. While your dentist will provide you with specific instructions for your situation, some general guidelines are:
- Controlling swelling with an ice pack on the outside of the moth
- Avoiding sports and vigorous activity until the socket has healed
- Keeping mouth clean and brushing gently around the socket
- Eating soft foods until the mouth has healed
- Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of fluids
Regardless of why might need a tooth extraction, the team at Sunlight Dental Clinic can help make the process as easy as possible and help you restore a healthy smile. Call us today at (905) 889-0810